FAQs: How to set custom date ranges on individual widgets in My Reports

Why isn't the widget updating when I change the report date range in My Reports?

That widget most likely has a widget-level date range override. Widgets with an override keep their own date range and do not follow changes to the report-level date range. Look for the blue date token on the widget. To make it follow the report again, open the widget's configuration menu, click Edit, then click Remove override and Remove.

I set a widget's date range in My Reports to the same dates as my report. Why didn't it change when I updated the report date range?

When you set a widget-level override, even one that matches the report's current dates, the widget is pinned to the dates you chose. It will not move when you later change the report-level date range. Sprout shows a confirmation message when you try to set an override that matches the report range. To have the widget follow the report again, remove the override.

Why do the numbers in one My Reports widget not match the other widgets in my report?

If a widget has a widget-level date range override, it shows data for a different time period than the rest of the report. Because of this, numbers across widgets with different date ranges should not be directly compared or added together. Check for the blue date token on the widget to confirm the date range and comparison period. 

How can I tell which widgets in my My Report have a custom date range override?

Widgets with an override show a blue date token, which is always the left-most token on the widget. Hover over it for details. The widget's configuration menu also shows the override dates at the top. The report-level date picker shows a note listing the number of widgets in the report that use overrides, but it doesn't list which ones, so scan the widgets for the blue token.

What's the difference between the blue date override token and the Reporting Period or Lifetime token on My Reports widgets?

Reporting Period and Lifetime describe how activity is counted for a widget, not which dates are shown. Only the blue date token means a widget is using its own date range. Widgets without an override do not show a date token.

Does the comparison period on a My Reports widget override follow the report-level comparison period?

No. The comparison period on a widget-level override is optional and set separately. If you don't set a comparison period on the widget, it won't use the report's comparison period. If you choose "previous period" on the widget, it's calculated from the widget's own date range, not the report's date range.

Will adding widget-level date range overrides change my existing My Reports?

No. Overrides are completely optional. All widgets in your existing reports will keep following the report-level date range until you add an override.

If I set a widget-level date override in a shared report, will my teammates see it?

Yes. Overrides follow the report's existing sharing settings. In a shared report, setting or removing an override updates that widget for everyone who views the report, in real time. In a private report, the change only affects you.

How do widget-level date range overrides appear in My Reports PDF exports and Shared Links?

Widgets with an override show the blue date token in PDF exports and on Shared Links. The PDF cover page and the Shared Link header also list how many widgets in the report use overrides.

If a My Reports widget override uses "last month," will it keep updating in my Shared Link?

Yes. Overrides that use a preset such as last week or last month keep rolling forward over time, including in Shared Links. Overrides set to specific custom dates stay pinned to those dates. When you create a Shared Link, you'll see a note explaining this.

Do scheduled report deliveries for My Reports use widget-level date range overrides?

If date range overrides are present in the report the delivery is based on, those overrides will be preserved in the PDF that is delivered. Upon setup, if the scheduled delivery was set to use the "snapshot" setting and new overrides are added to the report, those overrides will not flow into future scheduled deliveries. Use "live" delivery setting to reflect all changes made to filters, configurations, date overrides and annotations in real time to ensure net new overrides appear in deliveries.

Do CSV exports from My Reports include each widget's own date range when overrides are used?

No, CSV exports will only include data based on the report-level date range.

Can I set a custom date range on individual widgets in curated reports like the Profile Performance report?

No. Widget-level date range overrides are only available in My Reports. Curated reports do get the new date presets and the Recents section in their date picker.

Can I apply one custom date range to several My Reports widgets at once?

Not at this time. Overrides are set one widget at a time. You can, however, remove all overrides in a report at once from the report-level date picker.

What happens to widget-level date overrides when I duplicate a report?

When you duplicate a report, its widget-level date overrides are copied along with it.

What are the date presets in the Sprout reporting date picker, and where can I use them?

The date picker includes last quarter, last year, week to date, month to date, quarter to date, year to date, the last 7 days, week, 28 days, and month.You can use these date presets in the report-level date picker, in the widget-level Edit Date Range window, and in curated reports. Last quarter and last year are dynamic date range options when you create a Shared Link.

How does the Recents section in the Sprout reporting date picker work?

Recents saves your custom date ranges so you can reuse them quickly. A range is saved when you choose a start and end date and then apply or close the picker. Clicking through dates without applying doesn't save anything. Up to five ranges are saved, and Presets are not saved. The primary date range and the comparison period each keep their own list, so picking a recent primary range won't automatically pick the comparison period you used with it. Recents are personal to you, don't expire, are available across all Groups in your account, and work in every report, including curated reports.

Who can add or edit widget-level date range overrides in My Reports?

If the report’s access is set to "Anyone in the current group", anyone in the group with Manage Custom Reports permissions will be able to add or edit overrides. If access is set to "Only me", then only the person creating the report can add or edit overrides.

Can I set widget-level date ranges for My Reports in the Sprout mobile app?

No, the Sprout Social Mobile apps do not support My Reports at this time. This feature will only be accessible using the Sprout Social web app.