# Portlet Types and Settings

Previously, you saw a quick list of the portlet types you can add to your dashboard. This section takes it a step further by explaining the purpose and ideal use cases for each portlet type, along with some best practices for using them effectively.

Your dashboard offers a variety of portlet types that allow you to present your data in different ways. The portlets are organized into three groups:

### **Charts**

* **Line Chart**\
  Ideal for visualizing trends over time. Use it when you want to track continuous data changes and highlight upward or downward movements.
* **Bar Chart**\
  Best for comparing quantities across categories. Choose a bar chart when you need a clear, visual comparison of discrete data points.
* **Pie Chart**\
  Perfect for showing how different segments contribute to a whole. Use it to display proportional data or percentages.
* **Area Chart**\
  Similar to a line chart but with the area beneath the line filled, emphasizing the magnitude of values. It’s great for highlighting cumulative totals.
* **Scatter Chart**\
  Useful for plotting relationships between two variables. Use a scatter chart to identify correlations or clusters in your data.
* **Race Chart**\
  Designed to animate rank or value changes among multiple items over time. Use it to showcase dynamic competition or shifts in data standings.

### **Network Graphs**

* **Bubble Map**\
  Helps to visualize relationships or hierarchical data using circles (bubbles). Use it to highlight groupings, clusters, or nested structures in a more intuitive, bubble-based layout.
* **Sankey Chart**\
  Focuses on showing flows or transfers between different categories or nodes. Use it to illustrate how resources, transactions, or data move from one entity to another.
* **Dependency Wheel**\
  Displays dependencies in a circular layout, emphasizing how various nodes or categories interconnect. Use it to visualize cross-dependencies or the distribution of relationships in your data.

### **Dynamic**

*   **Value**

    Displays key metrics that update in real time. This portlet is excellent for dashboards that need to monitor current figures, like performance indicators or live alerts.

### **Static**

* **Text**\
  Allows you to add explanations, notes, or instructions directly onto your dashboard. Use this portlet to provide context or guide your audience through your data.
* **Image**\
  Lets you embed images or graphics, such as logos or custom illustrations, to enhance your dashboard’s visual appeal and branding.
* **Frame**\
  Provides a simple container to group related portlets or to visually separate different sections of your dashboard for a cleaner layout.
