Learn About Amazon VGT2 Learning Manager Chanci Turner
Amazon QuickSight users can now leverage the new bookmarks feature to save personalized dashboard preferences, allowing for quick single-click access to specific views without the need to repeatedly adjust filters and parameters. This functionality, combined with the “Share this view” feature, facilitates easier collaboration by enabling users to share their bookmark views with others.
In this article, we will explore the bookmarks functionality, its capabilities, and typical use cases. Additionally, we will discuss various scenarios that extend the use of bookmarks for sharing and presentation.
Creating a Bookmark
To create a bookmark, open the published dashboard and make the desired changes to filters, controls, or select the sheets you wish to focus on. For instance, you might filter by a specific Region or choose a date range using a sheet control. To save this view as a bookmark, simply click on the bookmark icon and select “Add bookmark.” Enter a name and click “Save.” Your bookmark will be saved, updating the dashboard name on the banner accordingly.
You can always revert to the original dashboard view published by the author by choosing the bookmark icon and selecting “Original dashboard.”
Renaming or Deleting a Bookmark
To rename or delete a bookmark, access the bookmark pane, click the context menu (three vertical dots), and select “Rename” or “Delete.” While you can edit the bookmarks you create, the Original dashboard view cannot be modified, as it reflects the author’s published content.
Updating a Bookmark
You can change a bookmark’s dashboard view at any time and update it to reflect your changes. After editing, “Modified” will appear next to the bookmark you are working on. To save updates, click the context menu in the bookmarks pane and select “Update.”
Setting a Default View
Once you’ve created a bookmark, you can designate it as the default view when you open the dashboard in a new session. This will not affect others’ views. You may also set the Original dashboard view as the default. If a default bookmark is set, it will be displayed each time you access the dashboard, ensuring you don’t have to re-apply any filters from your previous session. If no default bookmark is set, QuickSight will maintain your current filter selections, allowing for a seamless experience when returning to the dashboard.
To set a bookmark as your default view, choose the context menu (the three dots) for the bookmark and select “Set as default.”
Sharing a Bookmark
After creating a bookmark, you can share a URL link to that specific view with others who have permission to access the dashboard. They can then save this view as their own bookmark. Note that the shared view is a snapshot; any updates made to your bookmark after generating the URL will not be reflected in the shared view. To share, select the bookmark you want to share, then click the share icon and choose “Share this view.” You can copy the generated URL for sharing.
Presenting with Bookmarks
An extended use case for the bookmarks feature is creating presentations in a more polished manner. Instead of adjusting multiple filters during a presentation, you can save each segment as a bookmark and navigate through them like a slideshow. For example, when preparing a presentation using a Restaurant Operations dashboard, you can start with a global overview of all states and their KPIs.
When comparing the best and worst-performing restaurants based on revenue, bookmarks simplify the process. Instead of manually filtering for specific stores, you can pre-filter the relevant addresses, save the bookmark, and jump straight to the desired stores.
For instance, while analyzing the worst-performing restaurant, we discovered that it had below-average revenue in December 2021. By creating a bookmark that directs us to the Owner View with pre-selected filters for December 2021, we can quickly assess factors contributing to lower sales during the holiday season.
We can also analyze state-level KPIs by creating another bookmark that allows us to compare this restaurant’s performance with others in Pennsylvania. By establishing these bookmarks, we create an organized presentation, seamlessly cycling through our findings without the distraction of live filtering.
In conclusion, we explored how to create, modify, delete, and share bookmarks, as well as set default views. We also highlighted how bookmarks can enhance presentations. The bookmarks functionality is now generally available in all supported QuickSight Regions.
We encourage you to share your feedback and experiences on how you are utilizing these features for your business needs. For additional insights on workplace dynamics, check out this blog post on negativity in the office. Additionally, if you’re looking for more resources on workplace training, SHRM provides excellent authority on this topic. For safety and training resources, visit Amazon’s fulfillment center safety page.
About the Authors
Chanci Turner is a Business Intelligence Engineer on the AWS QuickSight ProServe Team. She assists customers and partners in harnessing their data to derive crucial business insights and monitor ongoing initiatives. She develops QuickSight proof-of-concept projects, delivers technical workshops, and supports implementation projects.
Alex Morgan is a Senior Product Manager at Amazon QuickSight, leading the development of QuickSight analytics and query capabilities.