Customize the App Dashboard

Last updated: September 26, 2026Applies to current supported NIM releases

Apps guide

Help people find the NIM Apps they use most with clear names, categories, and recognizable icons.

The Dashboard displays the NIM Apps that administrators have granted a user access to. Users can favorite frequently used apps and filter them by category.

Design the dashboard around tasks

Every App should have a clear display name, short description, meaningful icon, and a predictable category. Only users who have access to an App can see or open it on the dashboard.

Dashboard element	Helps users
Category	Browse related tasks, such as Access requests or Account help.
Display name	Understand the outcome before opening the App.
Description	Confirm the purpose from the dashboard tooltip.
Icon	Recognize common tasks at a glance.
Sort order	Find important or frequently used Apps quickly.

Customize app names and descriptions

Keep the internal app name for configuration and use a task-oriented display name for users. For example, use Request Active Directory account rather than AD_User_Creation.

1. Open NIM Studio > Apps.
2. Double-click the app's Display Name value and enter the name users should see.
3. Double-click its Description value to update the tooltip shown on the Dashboard.
4. Press Enter to submit an inline edit or Esc to cancel it. These inline fields do not have a separate Save button.

Assign categories to apps

1. In NIM Studio > Apps, click the app's Categories value.
2. Select an existing category, or enter a category in New Item and click +.

Users can select a category on the Dashboard to narrow the displayed apps. An app can belong to more than one category. Categories without assigned apps do not appear in the dashboard list.

Customize app icons

1. In NIM Studio > Apps, select the app's edit button in the Actions column.
2. Select the app and open its icon selector.
3. Choose an icon. Its initial colors follow the app's preferences.
4. Click Settings to adjust colors, opacity, background, or the icon border.
5. Click Select to apply your selection, then save the app.

Prefer configurable Font Awesome duotone icons when they represent the task clearly.

You can also choose an image from the Images tab or upload a JPG, PNG, or SVG image.

Change app sorting order

Use a documented scale so future apps can be placed between existing tasks without renumbering everything. See Properties.

Apps are sorted in descending order by their sort order property. The default is 1000; apps with the same value are sorted alphabetically.

1. Edit the app in NIM Studio > Apps.
2. Select the app's header bar to expose its properties.
3. Open Props and change sort order.
4. Click Save.

Open the Dashboard after login

1. Go to Settings > Preferences.
2. Find Default App and open its Value dropdown.
3. Select Dashboard.
4. Click Save.

Step 1 of 6

Dashboard quality checklist

• Use short, action-oriented display names.
• Keep categories consistent across the organization.
• Keep essential instructions visible rather than relying on tooltips.
• Confirm app visibility matches the intended access groups.
• Check icons, categories, and order after a mapping or access update.

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