What are the icons on my dashboard?
Icons on a dashboard are quick visual cues that help you navigate, monitor status, and take action without sifting through text. Common icons include a gear for settings, a bell for alerts, a chart for analytics, and a user silhouette for your account.
What dashboard icons signal
Dashboards rely on a shared visual language. Icons indicate where to go, what to check, and what needs attention. They appear in navigation bars, header toolbars, and data panels, often augmented by tooltips and color coding to reduce guesswork.
Below is a roundup of the icons you’re most likely to encounter across many dashboards and what they typically mean.
- Cog or gear — Settings or Preferences
- Bell — Notifications or Alerts
- Envelope or chat bubble — Messages or Communications
- User silhouette — Account or Profile
- Home or dashboard icon — Home or Overview
- Bar chart or line chart — Analytics, Reports, or Data
- Calendar — Schedule or Dates
- Clock — Recent activity or History
- Checkmark — Completed task or Success
- Exclamation triangle or red dot — Warnings, Errors, or Critical Alerts
- Plus sign — Add New
- Pencil or edit — Edit
- Trash can — Delete or Remove
- Download or arrow to tray — Export or Download
- Magnifying glass — Search
- Question mark — Help or Support
- Shield or padlock — Security or Permissions
- Refresh arrows — Refresh or Synchronize
- Arrow or chevron — Navigate or Expand/Collapse sections
Icons are not universal; their exact shapes and meanings can vary by platform. When in doubt, rely on in-app tooltips, the legend or help section, or the context within the page to confirm their function.
Icons vary by platform and where to find the legend
While the above icons are common, different products badge them with platform-specific visuals. Always look for a legend, tooltip text, or an accessible label to confirm what an icon does before you click.
Tips for reading and using icons
Hover and read tooltips
Move your cursor over icons to reveal short labels. Tooltips are a quick, accessible way to learn an icon’s function without guessing.
Look for color and status cues
Colors often signal status: green for OK or active, blue for information, yellow for caution, and red for error. Combine color with position (for example, alerts near the top) to gauge urgency.
Additionally, many dashboards provide a settings option to enable a legend or descriptive text if you prefer not to rely on icons alone.
Summary
Dashboard icons are designed to speed navigation and highlight status. By recognizing common shapes, checking tooltips, and using the provided legend, you can interpret the icons efficiently and act on what matters most. If you’re onboarding others, consider adding a quick legend or tooltip guide to your dashboard for clarity.
