> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xdr-3.x/cortex-xdr-3.x-documentation/investigate-and-respond-to-incidents/dashboards/custom-dashboards/create-a-text-widget.md).

# Create a text widget

You can use a widget to display formatted text in dashboards and reports.

Add a text-based widget to a dashboard

1. Go to **Dashboards & Reports** → **Dashboard Manager** and create a new dashboard or right-click to edit an existing custom dashboard.
2. If you are creating a new dashboard, enter a dashboard name.
3. If you are creating a new dashboard, choose a dashboard type or create a new dashboard from scratch.
4. From the **Widgets Library**, drag the **Free Text** widget to your dashboard.
5. Add your custom text to the **Free Text** widget.
6. (Optional) To enable Markdown, click the vertical menu for the widget and select **Use Markdown**.
7. Click **Next** .
8. Choose your dashboard options and **Generate** dashboard.

**Add a text-based widget to a report template**

{% hint style="info" %}

### Note

From the dashboard manager, you can right-click an existing dashboard and choose **Save as report template**. You can also add text-based widgets directly to new or existing report templates, as described below.
{% endhint %}

1. Go to **Dashboards & Reports** → **Report Templates** and create a new template or right-click to edit an existing custom template.
2. If you are creating a new report template, enter a report template name.
3. If you are creating a new report template, choose a report template type or create a new report template from scratch.
4. From the **Widgets Library**, drag the **Free Text** widget to your dashboard.
5. Add your custom text to the **Free Text** widget.
6. (Optional) To enable Markdown, click the vertical menu for the widget and select **Use Markdown**.
7. Click **Next** .
8. Choose your report builder options and **Save Template**.


---

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