> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.buffer.lol/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quickstart

> Connect a data source and build your first dashboard in minutes.

This guide takes you from a blank workspace to a live dashboard with at least one chart pulling from a real data source.

## Before you begin

* Credentials for the data source you plan to connect (database hostname, username, password, or API key for a SaaS source)
* Admin or Member role in your workspace

## Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Connect a data source">
    Go to **Analytics → Data sources → Add source**. Select your source type from the list, enter the connection details, and click **Test connection**. Once the test passes, save the source.

    See [Connect a data source](/analytics/connect-data) for a full list of supported sources and field-by-field setup instructions.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create a dashboard">
    Go to **Analytics → Dashboards → New dashboard**. Give it a name that reflects the data or team it serves (for example, "Weekly revenue" or "Support KPIs").
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add a chart">
    Inside the dashboard, click **Add chart**. Select your data source, choose a chart type (bar, line, or number card are good starting points), and configure the x-axis and y-axis fields. Click **Save**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Share your dashboard">
    Click **Share** in the dashboard header. Copy the link to share with teammates, or generate an embed code to display the dashboard in another tool. Set an access level to control who can view the shared link.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  If your data source requires an allowlisted IP, add the platform's outbound IP addresses to your firewall rules before testing the connection.
</Note>

## Next steps

* Explore [charts and visualizations](/analytics/dashboards/charts-visualizations) to learn about all available chart types.
* Set up [scheduled reports](/analytics/reports/scheduled-reports) to deliver insights to your team automatically.