How to Import Dashboards Without Including Sensitive Data in Bold BI

Overview

This article explains how to import/Upload Bold BI dashboards without including sensitive data, such as credentials, connection strings, or secure parameter values.
It also covers required dashboard design practices (from Bold BI v15.1 onward) to ensure the import completes successfully.

Required Dashboard Design for Sensitive Data-Free Import.

To import dashboards without selecting Include Sensitive Data, dashboards must follow the supported parameter design model.

Required Design Rules

Define dashboard parameters in a separate data source.
Reference parameters across data sources.
Do not reference a parameter inside the same data source where it is defined.
Parameters referenced within the same data source can cause schema validation failures during import when sensitive data is excluded. This design prevents schema validation errors during dashboard import.

Create a Dedicated Data Source for Parameters

Create a new data source (for example, Parameter_DS).
Define all List‑mode or Literal‑mode dashboard parameters in this data source.
Ensure parameter values are retrieved only from this data source.

Reference Parameters in Other Data Sources

When using parameters in custom SQL (Code View) or widget filters from other data sources, use the following syntax:

@{{:Parameter_DS.ParameterName}}

Note: Always reference parameters from a different data source not within the same data source.

Steps to Import a Dashboard Without Sensitive Data

1. Identify Sensitive Information Used in the Dashboard

Sensitive data may include:
- Database credentials
- Connection strings
- API tokens or keys
- Hard‑coded parameter values that are specific to the source environment.
Ensure none of these are required at import time.

2. Download the Dashboard Using Offline Migration

Sign in to Bold BI and navigate to dashboards on the source site.
Select the required dashboard and click on Actions in the context menu.
Choose the Download (Offline Migration) option.

3. Download Without Including Sensitive Data

During download, uncheck the “Include Sensitive Data” option box then click on Prepare download button.
Once the download is complete, go to the Offline Resources page to download the dashboards.
Click the download icon for the individual dashboards or select multiple dashboards and click the Download All button after verifying that the Contains Sensitive Data column displays No for the exported dashboard.
Individual dashboards are downloaded as .bbix files, while multiple dashboards are downloaded as a zip file containing .bbix files. This downloads only the dashboard definition.

Note: If the Contains Sensitive Data column displays Yes, regenerate the migration package and ensure the Include Sensitive Data option is not selected before preparing the download.

4. Store the Downloaded Dashboard File Securely

Locate the downloaded dashboard file and store it in a restricted location.
Use encrypted storage or secure file transfer if sharing internally.

Even though the file does not contain credentials, it still represents a deployable dashboard definition and should be protected.

5. Upload the Dashboard into the Destination Site

Sign in to the destination Bold BI site.
Navigate to Dashboards and select Upload.
Upload the exported dashboard file.
Map data sources if prompted.

6. Reconfigure Data Sources on the Destination

Update server names and endpoints if required.
Enter credentials specific to the destination environment.
Ensure no source environment credentials remain.

7. Rebind Parameters (If Applicable)

Re-select the parameter values.
Verify widgets respond correctly to parameter changes.

8. Validate the Imported Dashboard

Confirm all widgets load successfully.
Ensure no error messages expose connection details.
Validate filters and parameters

9. (Recommended) Test with a Least‑Privilege User

View the dashboard using a minimal‑permission account
Confirm security rules and filters behave as expected

Optional: Export Dashboard Output Using REST API

If you only need to share dashboard output (PDF, image, or Excel), use the REST API instead of exporting dashboards.

POST /bi/api/site/{site_identifier}/v4.0/dashboards/export
Authorization: Bearer <token>
Content-Type: application/json

Conclusion

Dashboards can be safely imported without including sensitive data by:

Following the supported parameter design model
Using the offline migration process
Reconfiguring credentials in the destination environment

This behaviour is fully supported in Bold BI v15.1 and later.

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Written by Erick Oloo Awino

Updated:

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