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Introduction to Panels in Grafana

What are Panels?

In Grafana, panels are the visual components that display data from various data sources. Each panel can represent data in different formats, such as graphs, tables, heatmaps, and more. Panels are essential for building dashboards, as they allow users to visualize metrics and logs in a clear and concise manner.

Types of Panels

Grafana offers a variety of panel types, each suited for different data visualization needs. Some common panel types include:

  • Graph Panel: Displays time-series data in a line or bar chart.
  • Table Panel: Shows data in a tabular format for easy reading and analysis.
  • Singlestat Panel: Displays a single value, ideal for showing key metrics.
  • Heatmap Panel: Visualizes data density over time.
  • Gauge Panel: Represents a single value within a range, often used for performance metrics.

Creating a Panel

To create a panel in Grafana, follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to your Grafana dashboard.
  2. Click on the “Add Panel” button.
  3. Select the type of panel you want to create.
  4. Configure the panel settings by selecting the data source and defining the queries.
  5. Customize the appearance of the panel using the options available in the panel editor.
  6. Save the dashboard to retain your newly created panel.

Example: Creating a Graph Panel

1. Click "Add Panel".

2. Choose "Graph".

3. Select your data source, e.g., Prometheus.

4. Enter the query: rate(http_requests_total[5m]).

5. Adjust settings like axes, legends, and thresholds.

6. Click "Save" to apply your changes.

Customizing Panel Appearance

Grafana provides a host of customization options for each panel. You can modify:

  • Panel Title: Change the title to reflect the data being displayed.
  • Colors: Customize colors for different datasets or thresholds.
  • Axes: Configure X and Y axes settings for clarity.
  • Legends: Show or hide legends to indicate data series.

Example: Changing Panel Title and Colors

1. In the panel editor, find the "General" tab.

2. Change the title to "HTTP Request Rate".

3. Go to the "Display" tab to set custom colors for different series.

Conclusion

Panels are a fundamental part of Grafana that enable users to visualize and analyze data effectively. By understanding the various types of panels and how to create and customize them, you can build informative dashboards that provide valuable insights into your applications and services.