The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →To fix an annoying Home Assistant dashboard, first identify whether the problem is a cramped layout, irrelevant cards, or an unwanted view tab. Then adjust the view type, card or section visibility, or dashboard structure that matches the problem. The official documentation describes these options, but it does not establish one universal fix—or the specific change behind the first-person title.
Start with the symptom, not a redesign
Home Assistant dashboards are made of cards that display information and let you control devices. Cards can serve device-specific functions, group related controls, apply logic, or show general data. A dashboard feels cluttered for different reasons, so decide what is getting in the way before changing its layout.
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- Cards are awkwardly arranged or leave gaps: consider changing the view type or using Sections.
- Some cards are only useful at certain times or for certain users: use conditional visibility on a card or section.
- A whole view tab is distracting: adjust that view’s visibility, while remembering that its URL remains accessible.
- Different people or screens need different content: consider separate dashboards rather than forcing one view to serve every purpose.
Choose a view type that fits the layout problem
Home Assistant documents four view types. Their structures suit different arrangements; there is no single best choice for every dashboard.
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| View type | How it arranges content | Useful when |
|---|---|---|
| Sections | Cards are grouped into sections in a grid. Cards can be resized. | You want a structured grid with grouped content and adjustable card sizes. |
| Masonry | Cards flow into columns according to their size. | You want a column layout that accommodates cards of different heights. |
| Panel | A single card fills the view width. | One card should occupy the full view. |
| Sidebar | Content is arranged in two columns. | A two-column layout suits the information you want to show. |
These descriptions come from Home Assistant’s dashboard views documentation. Pick based on the actual screen and content, rather than switching views in the hope that a different layout will automatically remove clutter.
#1 Best Overall
- Home Assistant provides a professional and reliable platform for home automation, designed to run continuously 24/7.
- Powered by a 64-bit Quad-Core Cortex-A53 processor, delivering smooth and efficient performance for smart home automations.
- Includes 4GB SDRAM for reliable multitasking and 64GB eMMC
- Features a Mali-450 MP2 GPU for responsive visual interfaces, housed in a compact 85 × 85 × 15mm (3.35" × 3.35" × 0.59") design that fits easily in any space.
- Typical power consumption is under 10W, with fanless operation for quiet performance suitable for any room in your home.
Use Sections to organize and resize cards
Sections groups cards in a grid. You can resize cards in this view, which can make a layout easier to scan when some controls or information deserve more space. The editor has limitations, including with nested cards; resizing may not be available for every card arrangement. See the official Sections documentation and dashboard cards documentation for the documented behavior.
Decide whether dense placement is worth the trade-off
Dense placement can fill gaps in a Sections layout, but it gives you less control over card order. Use it when reducing empty space matters more than keeping a carefully controlled sequence. If card order is important, leave dense placement off and arrange the sections and cards deliberately.
Rank #2
- Powered by SmartThings: Connect, monitor, and automate your home through the SmartThings app. Build a reliable, unified smart home using Samsung's proven ecosystem
- Matter + Zigbee Smart Home Hub: Supports the newest Matter standard plus Zigbee for lighting, sensors, plugs, switches, thermostats, and more - thousands of compatible devices. PLEASE NOTE: Z-Wave not supported
- Easy Setup with Wi-Fi or Ethernet: Get started in minutes using Wi-Fi or a wired Ethernet connection for apartments, houses, and expanding smart home systems - Z-Wave not supported
- Automations That Work for You: Create custom routines for security, lighting, comfort, and energy savings. Many local automations continue working even if your internet goes offline
- Wide Device Compatibility: Connect compatible smart devices from Aeotec and many other brands to build a unified system for lighting, voice control, energy management, and climate settings
Hide only the content that is irrelevant
If a card or section is useful only under certain circumstances, set conditional visibility on that item instead of removing it from the dashboard. You can combine conditions, but all configured conditions must be met for the item to appear. With no conditions, the card or section is shown to all users. The card documentation explains card behavior, and the Sections documentation covers section visibility.
This is different from hiding an entire view tab. A view’s visibility setting controls whether its tab is displayed; it does not prevent access through the view’s URL. Do not treat a hidden tab as a security boundary. Home Assistant documents this distinction in its view settings.
Rank #3
- MULTI-MODE GATEWAY: Smart home bridge supports Zigbee, Bluetooth Mesh dual-protocols, and supports WIFI control at the same time. Whether your device supports Wi-Fi or ZigBee or Bluetooth, you can control them together through the smart gateway on the Smart Life App. It is more stable and safer than using wifi system.
- APP CONTROL: Smart Bluetooth Zigbee hub work with smart life/Tuya App, Support Adding devices, device reset, third-party control and group control. You can manage and remotely control the device through the Smart Life App. You can manage and remotely control your lights, fingerbot and other smart devices via the app, even when you're not home.
- VOICE CONTROL: Smart Zigbee gateway Bluetooth hub compatible with Amazon Alexa/Google Assistant Home/Siri, you can control Smart LED and smart home devices by voice. All smart devices can be controlled with just one command, freeing hands.
- CREAT A SMART SCENE: Sub-devices of the gateway act as trigger conditions for Interacting with devices such as ZigBee, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, for device linkage. Featured as one powerful network bridge for whole house linkage in a real sense for all smart home devices.
- MULTI-DEVICE COMPATIBILITY: Wireless gateway, Compatible with various smart home devices, you can add and control 128 smart devices at the same time, Zigbee hub is like a brain, stably manages multiple devices. Build a fully intelligent home ecosystem. 24 months warranty included
Separate dashboards when the audience or use differs
One dashboard does not have to serve every person and screen. Home Assistant supports multiple dashboards for distinct purposes or audiences, including a tablet-oriented view. That is a way to separate content, not a requirement to buy a tablet: the documentation presents tablet use as an example, not as hardware needed to improve a dashboard. See Home Assistant’s multiple dashboards documentation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.A practical way to make the change
- Name the annoyance. Decide whether it is layout, irrelevant cards, an unwanted tab, or content intended for a different audience.
- For a layout issue, choose a view structure. Use Sections for grouped grid content and resizing, Masonry for columns shaped by card size, Panel for one full-width card, or Sidebar for two columns.
- For gaps in Sections, weigh dense placement against order. Enable dense placement only if filling gaps matters more than precise card order.
- For conditional content, set visibility on the card or section. Check that every configured condition can be true in the situation where the content should appear.
- For an unwanted view tab, change view visibility—not access expectations. The tab can disappear while the URL remains accessible.
- For distinct audiences or uses, consider a separate dashboard. Keep each dashboard focused on the content its audience or screen needs.
Home Assistant’s March 4, 2024 overview of the Sections view and dashboard editing provides historical context for the grid approach; the current documentation is the better reference for current feature details.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- [Multi-Protocol Hub with Matter Bridge] The M3 is a versatile hub supporting Aqara Zigbee and Thread devices. It integrates third-party devices into the Aqara Home app. Supports advanced Matter bridge functionality, enabling Aqara-exclusive scenes and signals to sync with Matter ecosystems such as Home Assistant for seamless integration. Supports up to 127 Aqara Zigbee devices （** Not third-party Zigbee devices) and 127 Thread devices (Repeaters are needed).
- [Edge Compatibilities and Local Automations] The M3 serves as an Edge Hub, prioritizing local control and automation. Upon integration, it supersedes existing Aqara hubs, shifting the automations among them to local operation (Some cloud-based notifications still require internet). Upgrade-friendly, it supports migrating Zigbee devices from older Aqara hubs.
- [Smart IR Blaster with Feedback and Learning] The 360°IR blaster not only sends commands but also provides accurate status updates by detecting traditional remote use. It connects IR air conditioning units to Matter, functioning as an AC thermostat when paired with an Aqara Temperature and Humidity Sensor. (Note: Only one AC device can be exposed to Matter. Functionality may vary based on the Matter integration app. For Apple Home exposure, use Matter integration instead of HomeKit.)
- [Optimal Wired and Wireless Connectivity] Offering both wired and wireless solutions, the smart home hub M3 provides dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz) with advanced WPA3 security, and a Power over Ethernet (PoE) port. The addition of a USB-C port allows for mini-UPS and power bank connections, delivering unparalleled stability. (2A USB power adapter is not included. ) . Note: To ensure a stable connection, place the Hub M3 between 6 to 19 feet from the router.
- [Privacy-Focused with Encrypted Storage, Easy Setup and Versatile Placement] The M3 prioritizes privacy by excluding microphone or camera components. It boasts 8GB end-to-end encrypted local storage, for device lists, configuration parameters, and automation configuration data. Additionally, it includes a mount and screws for flexible placement on flat surfaces, walls, or ceilings. Magic Pair technology ensures effortless detection by the Aqara Home app upon power-up.
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