Dashboard based on free type entries

katie01

I am trying to create a dashboard based off of free typed entries. The entries will not be pre-defined, so I'm unsure how to do this. For example, if I am tracking entries for types of dog breeds, I don't want to limit what type is used by using a drop down. I want it to be a free type field but I want the dashboard to calculate a graph based on all the different types. Thank you

VBAGuru

If you are not using dropdowns, then the spelling must be 100% the same, including capitalization. You may end up with multiple data points that are technically the same but are just spelled/typed slightly different. That is the difficulty with freeform fields. That said, you can use the Dropdown fields to give the most common ones you use, but as long as you don't limit it in the column properties, then you can type in others. This option would at least increase accuracy.

katie01

Thanks VBAGuru. I do understand the complexity that the free form will cause but the nature of the data makes it impossible for a drop down. Can you help me with the formula on how to build the dashboard based on the free type form?

VBAGuru

Generally you will need to create a report first and you can group by Dog Breed. This report then can be visualized on a dashboard.