# Dashboards: Custom Object Widgets and Insights

> Learn how to create Custom Object Widgets in GHL Customer Care dashboards and reporting. Visualize counts, sums, and averages with filters, themes, and permissions.

- Source: https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/dashboards/dashboard-widgets/dashboards-custom-object-widgets-and-insights
- Section: Dashboards / Dashboard Widgets
- Reading time: 4 min
- Images: 9, each explained below

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Unlock deeper reporting by visualizing your Custom Objects directly inside GHL Customer Care dashboards. Custom Object Widgets turn your unique data—pets, properties, cases, projects and more into real‑time charts that anyone on your team can explore. Build KPIs that standard CRM objects can’t cover, style them to your brand, and share insights securely across your organization.

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**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

-   [What is a Custom Object Widget?](#what-is-a-custom-object-widget)
-   [Key Benefits of Custom Object Widgets](#key-benefits-of-custom-object-widgets)
-   [Metrics & Chart Types](#metrics-and-chart-types)
-   [Permissions & Sharing](#permissions-and-sharing)
-   [How To Set Up Custom Object Widgets](#how-to-set-up-custom-object-widgets)
    -   [1) Insert a Custom Object Widget into a dashboard](#1-insert-a-custom-object-widget-into-a-dashboard)
    -   [2) Insert a Custom Object Widget into a custom report](#2-insert-a-custom-object-widget-into-a-custom-report)
-   [Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions)
-   [Related Articles](#related-articles)

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# **What is a Custom Object Widget?**

Custom Object Widgets let you add charts that reference the Custom Objects you create in Sub‑Account Settings. Because every business tracks unique data, these widgets transform non‑standard records (for example, “Pets,” “Properties,” “Cases”) into totals and averages you can filter, style, and reuse across dashboards. 

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## **Key Benefits of Custom Object Widgets**

Custom Object Widgets are designed to surface the KPIs that matter most to your business, even when your data lives outside standard CRM objects.

-   **Tailored analytics:** Build metrics for the unique records you track (for example, Avg. Pet Age).
    
-   **Centralized reporting:** Mix Contact, Opportunity, and Custom Object metrics on the same dashboard.
    
-   **Flexible charting:** Switch among Numeric, Line, Bar, Horizontal Bar, Donut, or Table to fit your story.
    
-   **Reusable filters:** Apply dashboard Quick Filters or widget-level filters without changing the original widget view.
    
-   **Secure sharing:** Respect existing dashboard permission tiers so only the right users can view or edit widgets.
    

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## **Metrics & Chart Types**

Understanding what you can measure and how you can visualize it helps you choose the right chart for the question at hand.

-   **Metrics available for Custom Object Widgets:** Count, Sum, Average.
    
-   **Supported chart types (dashboard taxonomy):** Numeric, Table, Bar, Horizontal Bar, Line, Donut.
    
-   A recommended chart type is pre-selected when you add a widget, and you can change it at any time from the chart picker.
    
-   Tables can display multiple fields as columns; charts can use eligible fields for grouping where supported.
    

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## **Permissions & Sharing**

Govern who can view, filter, or edit widgets using the same permission tiers that control your dashboards.

-   Dashboard **VIEW/EDIT/FULL/NO ACCESS** roles continue to apply to Custom Object Widgets.
    
-   Editors can change chart type, metrics, filters, and theme; viewers can interact with Quick Filters.
    
-   Use the three‑dot menu on a widget to **Duplicate** or further configure it without affecting the original.
    

_Suggested reads: [Manage Dashboard Permissions](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs), [Duplicating Widgets](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs)._

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## **How To Set Up Custom Object Widgets**

Getting set up is fast once your Custom Object exists. Proper setup ensures your fields are available for metrics, grouping, and filters, so your widgets answer the right questions the first time.

Before adding any widgets, **make sure your Custom Object is created**. For step‑by‑step instructions, see **[Creating and Editing Custom Objects](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/custom-objects/getting-started-with-custom-objects/creating-and-editing-custom-objects)**

### **1) Insert a Custom Object Widget into a dashboard**

1.  In your **Sub-Account**, navigate to the Dashboard and click the blue button in the top-left corner to open the desired dashboard.
    
    
![Step 1 of 5: In your Sub-Account, navigate to the Dashboard and click the blue…](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155055786184/original/mKur0JVvJDqKuXfBFECi02REs4EkBtcPhQ.png)

**Step 1 of 5: In your Sub-Account, navigate to the Dashboard and click the blue…**

This screenshot accompanies step 1 of 5 in the "1) Insert a Custom Object Widget into a dashboard" section of "Dashboards: Custom Object Widgets and Insights". At this point in the walkthrough you in your Sub-Account, navigate to the Dashboard and click the blue button in the top-left corner to open the desired dashboard. The next step is to click Edit (pencil icon) → Add Widget.
- What to click: In your Sub-Account, navigate to the Dashboard and click the blue button in the top-left corner to open the desired dashboard.
- Controls: Sub-Account, Edit, Add Widget, Save
- Next: Click Edit (pencil icon) → Add Widget.

Full procedure:

1. In your Sub-Account, navigate to the Dashboard and click the blue button in the top-left corner to open the desired dashboard.  <- this image
2. Click Edit (pencil icon) → Add Widget.
3. Choose your preferred chart type (Numeric, Donut, Line, Bar, or Table), then scroll to the Custom Objects (Example: Dogs) category and select your desired metric or Top Campaigns widget.
4. Apply filters (campaign, metric, date range) or switch theme/colors.
5. Click Save. The widget begins streaming ad data.

    
2.  Click **Edit** (pencil icon) → **Add Widget**.
    
    
![Step 2 of 5: Click Edit (pencil icon) → Add Widget](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155055786196/original/VADVTrGEzJ3UcAPMVoeYUv7LIwwatHonug.gif)

**Step 2 of 5: Click Edit (pencil icon) → Add Widget**

This animation accompanies step 2 of 5 in the "1) Insert a Custom Object Widget into a dashboard" section of "Dashboards: Custom Object Widgets and Insights". At this point in the walkthrough you click Edit (pencil icon) → Add Widget. For context, this section explains: In your Sub-Account, navigate to the Dashboard and click the blue button in the top-left corner to open the desired dashboard. Click Edit (pencil icon) → Add Widget. Choose your preferred chart type (Numeric, Donut, Line, Bar, or Table), then scroll to the Custom Objects (Example: Dogs) category…. The next step is to choose your preferred chart type (Numeric, Donut, Line, Bar, or Table), then scroll to the Custom Objects (Example: Dogs) category and select your desired metric or Top Campaigns widget.
- What to click: Click Edit (pencil icon) → Add Widget.
- Controls: Edit, Add Widget, Sub-Account, Save
- Next: Choose your preferred chart type (Numeric, Donut, Line, Bar, or Table), then scroll to the Custom Objects (Example: Dogs) category and select your desired metric or Top Campaigns widget.

Full procedure:

1. In your Sub-Account, navigate to the Dashboard and click the blue button in the top-left corner to open the desired dashboard.
2. Click Edit (pencil icon) → Add Widget.  <- this image
3. Choose your preferred chart type (Numeric, Donut, Line, Bar, or Table), then scroll to the Custom Objects (Example: Dogs) category and select your desired metric or Top Campaigns widget.
4. Apply filters (campaign, metric, date range) or switch theme/colors.
5. Click Save. The widget begins streaming ad data.

    
3.  Choose your preferred chart type (Numeric, Donut, Line, Bar, or Table), then scroll to the Custom Objects (Example: Dogs) category and select your desired metric or Top Campaigns widget.
    
    
![Step 3 of 5: Choose your preferred chart type (Numeric, Donut, Line, Bar, or…](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155055786217/original/Una6aORTCDgc7NkNLV48OPr30VhYdDtufg.png)

**Step 3 of 5: Choose your preferred chart type (Numeric, Donut, Line, Bar, or…**

This screenshot accompanies step 3 of 5 in the "1) Insert a Custom Object Widget into a dashboard" section of "Dashboards: Custom Object Widgets and Insights". At this point in the walkthrough you choose your preferred chart type (Numeric, Donut, Line, Bar, or Table), then scroll to the Custom Objects (Example: Dogs) category and select your desired metric or Top Campaigns widget. The next step is to apply filters (campaign, metric, date range) or switch theme/colors.
- What to fill in: Choose your preferred chart type (Numeric, Donut, Line, Bar, or Table), then scroll to the Custom Objects (Example: Dogs) category and select your desired metric or Top Campaigns widget.
- Controls: Sub-Account, Edit, Add Widget, Save
- Next: Apply filters (campaign, metric, date range) or switch theme/colors.

Full procedure:

1. In your Sub-Account, navigate to the Dashboard and click the blue button in the top-left corner to open the desired dashboard.
2. Click Edit (pencil icon) → Add Widget.
3. Choose your preferred chart type (Numeric, Donut, Line, Bar, or Table), then scroll to the Custom Objects (Example: Dogs) category and select your desired metric or Top Campaigns widget.  <- this image
4. Apply filters (campaign, metric, date range) or switch theme/colors.
5. Click Save. The widget begins streaming ad data.

    
4.  Apply filters (campaign, metric, date range) or switch theme/colors.
    
    
![Step 4 of 5: Apply filters (campaign, metric, date range) or switch theme/colors](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155055786231/original/q3BatzHNdkipD9hsmGv5X-QKfg6Ig5HZIQ.png)

**Step 4 of 5: Apply filters (campaign, metric, date range) or switch theme/colors**

This screenshot accompanies step 4 of 5 in the "1) Insert a Custom Object Widget into a dashboard" section of "Dashboards: Custom Object Widgets and Insights". At this point in the walkthrough you apply filters (campaign, metric, date range) or switch theme/colors. The next step is to click Save. The widget begins streaming ad data.
- What this covers: Apply filters (campaign, metric, date range) or switch theme/colors.
- Controls: Sub-Account, Edit, Add Widget, Save
- Next: Click Save. The widget begins streaming ad data.

Full procedure:

1. In your Sub-Account, navigate to the Dashboard and click the blue button in the top-left corner to open the desired dashboard.
2. Click Edit (pencil icon) → Add Widget.
3. Choose your preferred chart type (Numeric, Donut, Line, Bar, or Table), then scroll to the Custom Objects (Example: Dogs) category and select your desired metric or Top Campaigns widget.
4. Apply filters (campaign, metric, date range) or switch theme/colors.  <- this image
5. Click Save. The widget begins streaming ad data.

    
5.  Click **Save**. The widget begins streaming ad data.

### **2) Insert a Custom Object Widget into a custom report**

1.  In your **Sub-Account,** Go to **Reports → Custom Reports** and open an existing report or click **Create Report**.
    
    
![Step 1 of 5: In your Sub-Account, Go to Reports → Custom Reports and open an…](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155055786251/original/BFj9ZABgpGvBo2gbWPNXaKcV4DAW3yuJrA.png)

**Step 1 of 5: In your Sub-Account, Go to Reports → Custom Reports and open an…**

This screenshot accompanies step 1 of 5 in the "2) Insert a Custom Object Widget into a custom report" section of "Dashboards: Custom Object Widgets and Insights". At this point in the walkthrough you in your Sub-Account, Go to Reports → Custom Reports and open an existing report or click Create Report. The next step is to choose to start from a blank canvas, use a template, or import an existing dashboard layout.
- What to click: In your Sub-Account, Go to Reports → Custom Reports and open an existing report or click Create Report.
- Controls: Sub-Account,, Reports → Custom Reports, Create Report, start from a blank canvas, use a template, import an existing dashboard layout, Add Widget/Element, Custom Objects, drag, chart type, filters, theme
- Next: Choose to start from a blank canvas, use a template, or import an existing dashboard layout.

Full procedure:

1. In your Sub-Account, Go to Reports → Custom Reports and open an existing report or click Create Report.  <- this image
2. Choose to start from a blank canvas, use a template, or import an existing dashboard layout.
3. Click Add Widget/Element (top-left). In the widget list, find Custom Objects widgets (Example: Dogs) and drag the ones you want into the layout.
4. Configure each widget: chart type, filters, and theme to suit your needs and Click Save.
5. Click on Send or Schedule to set up an email schedule to receive the report automatically.

    
2.  Choose to **start from a blank canvas**, **use a template**, or **import an existing dashboard layout**.
    
    
![Step 2 of 5: Choose to start from a blank canvas, use a template, or import an…](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155055786262/original/VCV1S5rz7-6bAUZuMpXNJTX-0WFhxrSjNQ.png)

**Step 2 of 5: Choose to start from a blank canvas, use a template, or import an…**

This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 5 in the "2) Insert a Custom Object Widget into a custom report" section of "Dashboards: Custom Object Widgets and Insights". At this point in the walkthrough you choose to start from a blank canvas, use a template, or import an existing dashboard layout. The next step is to click Add Widget/Element (top-left). In the widget list, find Custom Objects widgets (Example: Dogs) and drag the ones you want into the layout.
- What to choose: Choose to start from a blank canvas, use a template, or import an existing dashboard layout.
- Controls: start from a blank canvas, use a template, import an existing dashboard layout, Sub-Account,, Reports → Custom Reports, Create Report, Add Widget/Element, Custom Objects, drag, chart type, filters, theme
- Next: Click Add Widget/Element (top-left). In the widget list, find Custom Objects widgets (Example: Dogs) and drag the ones you want into the layout.

Full procedure:

1. In your Sub-Account, Go to Reports → Custom Reports and open an existing report or click Create Report.
2. Choose to start from a blank canvas, use a template, or import an existing dashboard layout.  <- this image
3. Click Add Widget/Element (top-left). In the widget list, find Custom Objects widgets (Example: Dogs) and drag the ones you want into the layout.
4. Configure each widget: chart type, filters, and theme to suit your needs and Click Save.
5. Click on Send or Schedule to set up an email schedule to receive the report automatically.

    
3.  Click **Add Widget/Element** (top-left). In the widget list, find **Custom Objects** widgets (Example: Dogs) and **drag** the ones you want into the layout.
    
    
![Step 3 of 5: Click Add Widget/Element (top-left). In the widget list, find Custom…](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155055786297/original/bPOZ1dqXuH7OnDQ3frf6Kc9EewYMeQQRYg.png)

**Step 3 of 5: Click Add Widget/Element (top-left). In the widget list, find Custom…**

This screenshot accompanies step 3 of 5 in the "2) Insert a Custom Object Widget into a custom report" section of "Dashboards: Custom Object Widgets and Insights". At this point in the walkthrough you click Add Widget/Element (top-left). In the widget list, find Custom Objects widgets (Example: Dogs) and drag the ones you want into the layout. The next step is to configure each widget: chart type, filters, and theme to suit your needs and Click Save.
- What to click: Click Add Widget/Element (top-left). In the widget list, find Custom Objects widgets (Example: Dogs) and drag the ones you want into the layout.
- Controls: Add Widget/Element, Custom Objects, drag, Sub-Account,, Reports → Custom Reports, Create Report, start from a blank canvas, use a template, import an existing dashboard layout, chart type, filters, theme
- Next: Configure each widget: chart type, filters, and theme to suit your needs and Click Save.

Full procedure:

1. In your Sub-Account, Go to Reports → Custom Reports and open an existing report or click Create Report.
2. Choose to start from a blank canvas, use a template, or import an existing dashboard layout.
3. Click Add Widget/Element (top-left). In the widget list, find Custom Objects widgets (Example: Dogs) and drag the ones you want into the layout.  <- this image
4. Configure each widget: chart type, filters, and theme to suit your needs and Click Save.
5. Click on Send or Schedule to set up an email schedule to receive the report automatically.

    
4.  Configure each widget: **chart type**, **filters**, and **theme** to suit your needs and Click **Save**.
    
    
![Step 4 of 5: Configure each widget: chart type, filters, and theme to suit your…](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155055786303/original/ZVr8x3CtEQDrRp2TaAx1r-mV6BwgUIUzjQ.png)

**Step 4 of 5: Configure each widget: chart type, filters, and theme to suit your…**

This screenshot accompanies step 4 of 5 in the "2) Insert a Custom Object Widget into a custom report" section of "Dashboards: Custom Object Widgets and Insights". At this point in the walkthrough you configure each widget: chart type, filters, and theme to suit your needs and Click Save. The next step is to click on Send or Schedule to set up an email schedule to receive the report automatically.
- What to fill in: Configure each widget: chart type, filters, and theme to suit your needs and Click Save.
- Controls: chart type, filters, theme, Save, Sub-Account,, Reports → Custom Reports, Create Report, start from a blank canvas, use a template, import an existing dashboard layout, Add Widget/Element, Custom Objects
- Next: Click on Send or Schedule to set up an email schedule to receive the report automatically.

Full procedure:

1. In your Sub-Account, Go to Reports → Custom Reports and open an existing report or click Create Report.
2. Choose to start from a blank canvas, use a template, or import an existing dashboard layout.
3. Click Add Widget/Element (top-left). In the widget list, find Custom Objects widgets (Example: Dogs) and drag the ones you want into the layout.
4. Configure each widget: chart type, filters, and theme to suit your needs and Click Save.  <- this image
5. Click on Send or Schedule to set up an email schedule to receive the report automatically.

    
5.  Click on Send or Schedule to set up an **email schedule** to receive the report automatically.
    
    
![Step 5 of 5: Click on Send or Schedule to set up an email schedule to receive the…](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155055786314/original/tEDjP9NHc13gOrGWrVtNg-Ee-7C71ILbOg.png)

**Step 5 of 5: Click on Send or Schedule to set up an email schedule to receive the…**

This screenshot accompanies step 5 of 5 in the "2) Insert a Custom Object Widget into a custom report" section of "Dashboards: Custom Object Widgets and Insights". At this point in the walkthrough you click on Send or Schedule to set up an email schedule to receive the report automatically.
- What to click: Click on Send or Schedule to set up an email schedule to receive the report automatically.
- Controls: email schedule, Sub-Account,, Reports → Custom Reports, Create Report, start from a blank canvas, use a template, import an existing dashboard layout, Add Widget/Element, Custom Objects, drag, chart type, filters

Full procedure:

1. In your Sub-Account, Go to Reports → Custom Reports and open an existing report or click Create Report.
2. Choose to start from a blank canvas, use a template, or import an existing dashboard layout.
3. Click Add Widget/Element (top-left). In the widget list, find Custom Objects widgets (Example: Dogs) and drag the ones you want into the layout.
4. Configure each widget: chart type, filters, and theme to suit your needs and Click Save.
5. Click on Send or Schedule to set up an email schedule to receive the report automatically.  <- this image

    

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## **Frequently Asked Questions**

**Q: How many Custom Objects can I create?**  
Up to **ten** Custom Objects per location (sub‑account). Each object can be used in widgets.

**Q: Which plans support Custom Objects and dashboards?**  
Custom Objects, Dashboards & Custom Reports are Now Available on All Plans

**Q: Can I duplicate a Custom Object Widget?**  
Yes. Use the **three‑dot menu → Duplicate** to copy the configuration and tweak as needed.

**Q: Can I group by a picklist field from my Custom Object?**  
When a chart or table supports grouping and your object includes eligible select fields, you can group by those fields. Availability varies by chart type.

**Q: Why does my widget show “No data”?**  
**A:** Check that your Custom Object has records, that you selected an eligible metric/field, that the date range (if used) includes your data, and that filters or Quick Filters aren’t excluding everything.

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## **Related Articles**

-   [Creating & Editing Custom Objects](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/custom-objects/getting-started-with-custom-objects/creating-and-editing-custom-objects)
    
-   [How to Create a Custom Dashboard](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/dashboards/getting-started-w-dashboards/how-to-create-a-custom-dashboard)
    
-   [Quick Filters on Dashboards](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/dashboards/getting-started-w-dashboards/quick-filters-on-dashboards)
    
-   [How to Customize Dashboard Themes](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/dashboards/configuring-dashboards/how-to-customize-dashboard-themes)
    
-   [Duplicating widgets on a dashboard](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/dashboards/dashboard-widgets/duplicating-widgets-on-a-dashboard)
    
-   [How To Manage Dashboard Permissions](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs)

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Documentation for GHL Customer Care. Support: support@ghlcustomercare.com