Editing from the sidebar
This documentation topic is designed for Grafana workspaces that support Grafana version 13.x.
For Grafana workspaces that support Grafana version 12.x, see Working in Grafana version 12.
For Grafana workspaces that support Grafana version 10.x, see Working in Grafana version 10.
For Grafana workspaces that support Grafana version 9.x, see Working in Grafana version 9.
For Grafana workspaces that support Grafana version 8.x, see Working in Grafana version 8.
The editing experience is built around a sidebar that keeps your dashboard visible while you work. Select any element to open it in the sidebar, or close the sidebar when you need the full width of the dashboard.
The Add element icon (blue plus sign) in the toolbar opens the sidebar and provides a single entry point for adding content to your dashboard.
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Panels – Drag a new panel directly onto your dashboard, or paste a previously copied panel.
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Groupings – Add rows or tabs. When you add a row or tab to a dashboard that does not yet have tabs, your existing panels are automatically moved into the first new grouping. You can also drag tabs between rows to reorganize your structure.
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Dashboard controls – Create variables, annotation queries, dashboard links, and filters without leaving the dashboard.
Beyond adding new elements, the sidebar also lets you manage what is already there.
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Reorder variables by dragging them across display types. Hidden variables stay out of the dashboard controls while editing.
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Manage annotations with color indicators and drag-and-drop grouping by visibility.
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Edit panel titles and descriptions without entering panel edit mode.
The Content outline in the sidebar shows the full structure of your dashboard as a tree. Select any item to jump directly to it, whether you are editing or viewing.
By default, the sidebar docks in edit mode and floats in view mode, so that it takes up space only when you need it. Your preference is remembered for each mode.
