Private reporting
How can I build a CSV dashboard without uploading confidential data?
Use sanitized sample data with the same column names and data types to design your dashboard online. Download the HTML template, open it in a supported browser, and choose your real CSV there. The downloaded dashboard processes those rows locally; you do not need to upload the confidential file to csv.design.
Fictional data · worked example
Try a four-invoice example
These figures come from the fictional CSV linked below. They demonstrate totals you can check before using your own data. They are not customer results.
- Invoice rows
- 4
- Total amount
- 10,000
- Overdue amount
- 6,000
Sample files are fictional and contain no customer or employee records. Open the sample HTML locally and load the matching CSV. Preview the accounts receivable template.
Start with the shape of the data
A template needs to know which columns contain dates, amounts, and categories. It does not need genuine customer names or invoice values to establish that layout. Think of sanitized sample data as a practice sheet: it has the same boxes to fill in, with made-up contents.
Create the sample separately from the confidential export. Keep required headers and types, but invent the rows from scratch. Use invented customer labels, invoice references, owners, dates, and amounts. Check headers and instructions too: they can reveal confidential project names even when the rows are sanitized.
Build once, then load the real file locally
Use this sequence to keep confidential rows out of the online design process.
- Download the fictional invoice CSV and inspect its headers. Use the linked accounts receivable example to see the matching report layout.
- In the online editor, use only your sanitized sample data. Design the totals, overdue breakdown, and detail table you need. Keep prompts and support attachments free of confidential information.
- Download your reusable HTML template when your plan permits downloads. Open that file on your computer and load the fictional CSV first to check the result.
- In that downloaded file, choose the actual CSV from your computer. Keep its required column names and types consistent with the sample. Review filters and totals before using the report.
Why masking only names is not enough
Replacing a name does not necessarily remove sensitive information. An exact salary, a rare role, a small department, or an unusual transaction can still identify someone. Made-up rows are the simplest way to sanitize a sample for online design.
If you choose to use real sample rows, you are choosing to submit those rows to the online service. Automatic masking and a small row count are not guarantees that the sample is safe to disclose.
Check what you are about to share
A standard reusable template download excludes preview rows. It can still contain the design, column names, labels, and branding you supplied. Review those before sharing the template.
A report export, screenshot, CSV, or snapshot can contain actual values. Treat those outputs as confidential and use your organisation’s approved storage and sharing process.
Common questions
Does a private dashboard make every export safe to email?
No. A populated report can disclose the data shown in it. Review the contents and recipients separately from where the dashboard was created.
Try the workflow with sanitized sample data
Online design and template downloads are subject to your plan. See pricing and editor access.
Try free preview