Understanding StartDashboardSnapshotJob in Amazon QuickSight API

Introduction

Amazon QuickSight is a cloud-based business intelligence (BI) service that enables users to create and share interactive dashboards. One of its key features is the ability to generate snapshots of dashboards, which can be used for offline reporting, sharing, or compliance purposes. The StartDashboardSnapshotJob API is crucial in initiating a snapshot job for an Amazon QuickSight dashboard.

In this blog, we will dive deep into the StartDashboardSnapshotJob API, exploring its functionality, use cases, and how to implement it.

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StartDashboardSnapshotJob

The StartDashboardSnapshotJob API initiates capturing a snapshot of an Amazon QuickSight dashboard. A snapshot includes static images and data exports of a dashboard for a specified set of users, providing a way to share insights without requiring live access to Amazon QuickSight.

This API is particularly useful in scenarios where:

Dashboards need to be shared with external users who do not have access to Amazon QuickSight.
Organizations require scheduled or on-demand snapshots for auditing and compliance purposes.
Reports must be generated and stored in formats such as PDF or CSV for offline analysis.

Key Features of StartDashboardSnapshotJob

Initiates a Snapshot Job – Triggers the capture of the Amazon QuickSight dashboard as a snapshot.
Customizable Parameters – Allows users, filters, and file formats (PDF, CSV) to be specified for the snapshot.
Asynchronous Execution – The snapshot job runs in the background, and status updates can be retrieved using DescribeDashboardSnapshotJob.
Integration with AWS Services – Snapshots can be stored in Amazon S3 for further use.
Access Control – Users must have the necessary AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) permissions to start a snapshot job.

How to Use StartDashboardSnapshotJob?

To use this API, you need to provide details such as:

AWS Account ID
Amazon QuickSight Dashboard ID
Snapshot Configuration (format, user settings, parameters)

Step 1: Prerequisites

Before using StartDashboardSnapshotJob, ensure the following:
* You have already created an Amazon QuickSight dashboard.
* The AWS IAM role has the necessary permissions (quicksight:StartDashboardSnapshotJob).
* You have configured an Amazon S3 bucket (if exporting the snapshot).

Also, You have the Pixel Perfect Report Add-On Enabled

Step 2: API Request Syntax

You can call the API using AWS SDK (Python Boto3) or AWS CLI.

step2

Step 3: Tracking the Job Status

Since snapshot jobs run asynchronously, use the DescribeDashboardSnapshotJob API to check the status:

step3

Step 4: Retrieving the Snapshot Output

Once the snapshot is completed, you can retrieve it from the configured Amazon S3 bucket or access it using the provided URL in the API response.

Use Cases of StartDashboardSnapshotJob

Scheduled Reporting – Automate dashboard snapshots and store them in Amazon S3 for periodic reporting.
Compliance & Auditing – Maintain historical records of dashboard data for audits.
Offline Sharing – Distribute reports as PDF/CSV to stakeholders who do not have QuickSight access.
Data Backup – Store snapshots as backups to preserve data insights over time.

Permissions Required

To use StartDashboardSnapshotJob, ensure your AWS IAM role includes the following:

{ 
"Effect": "Allow", 
"Action": [ 
           "quicksight:StartDashboardSnapshotJob", 
            "quicksight:DescribeDashboardSnapshotJob", 
            "s3:PutObject" 
], 
"Resource": "*" 
}

{

"Effect": "Allow",

"Action": [

"quicksight:StartDashboardSnapshotJob",

"quicksight:DescribeDashboardSnapshotJob",

"s3:PutObject"

"Resource": "*"

}

Limitations & Considerations

Snapshots may take time, depending on the dashboard’s complexity.
File format selection (PDF, CSV) impacts data export availability.
User configurations affect how snapshots are shared.

Pricing Considerations for StartDashboardSnapshotJob

Amazon QuickSight pricing for StartDashboardSnapshotJob depends on the Amazon QuickSight edition (Standard or Enterprise) and the Pixel Perfect Report add-on. The snapshot feature is only available in Amazon QuickSight Enterprise Edition and requires the Pixel Perfect Report Add-on, which incurs additional charges. The Pixel Perfect Report Add-on is priced per session based on the number of reports generated. If snapshots are stored in Amazon S3, additional storage costs apply as per Amazon S3 pricing. Users must also consider potential API call charges if integrating snapshots with other AWS services like AWS Lambda or Amazon EventBridge.

Why Use the Pixel Perfect Report Add-on?

The Pixel Perfect Report Add-on is essential for organizations needing highly formatted, print-ready reports. Unlike standard Amazon QuickSight dashboards optimized for interactive analysis, Pixel Perfect reports ensure precise layout control, customized headers/footers, and branding consistency, a critical requirement for regulatory compliance, financial statements, and operational reports. Without this add-on, exported snapshots may not meet professional formatting standards, making it harder to generate reports with fine-grained control over visuals and structure.

Is It Worth Using Amazon QuickSight Snapshots?

The StartDashboardSnapshotJob API, combined with Pixel Perfect Reporting, offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional BI tools for businesses requiring automated report distribution, compliance documentation, or offline reporting. By leveraging AWS infrastructure, organizations can scale reporting workloads dynamically, avoid expensive on-premise solutions, and integrate snapshots seamlessly with other AWS services like Amazon S3, AWS Lambda, and Amazon EventBridge for workflow automation. However, standard dashboard sharing in Amazon QuickSight may be sufficient for companies with minimal reporting needs without incurring extra costs for snapshots and the Pixel Perfect add-on.

Conclusion

The StartDashboardSnapshotJob API in Amazon QuickSight is a powerful feature for generating dashboard snapshots, enabling offline reporting, compliance, and broader data accessibility. Organizations can enhance their BI workflows and improve data-driven decision-making by automating this process using AWS services.

Integrating this API with AWS services like Amazon S3, AWS Lambda, and Amazon EventBridge allows you to build a fully automated and scalable reporting system tailored to your business needs.

Drop a query if you have any questions regarding Amazon QuickSight and we will get back to you quickly.

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FAQs

1. Who can use the StartDashboardSnapshotJob API in Amazon QuickSight?

ANS: – Only Amazon QuickSight Enterprise Edition users and the Pixel Perfect Report Add-on can use the StartDashboardSnapshotJob API. Additionally, the user must have the necessary IAM permissions to initiate snapshot jobs.

2. How is the Amazon QuickSight Snapshot feature priced?

ANS: – Snapshot generation requires the Pixel Perfect Report Add-on, which is billed per session and based on the number of reports generated. Additional costs for storing snapshots in Amazon S3 and processing API calls may apply.

WRITTEN BY Sidharth Karichery

Sidharth works as a Research Intern at CloudThat in the Tech Consulting Team. He is a Computer Science Engineering graduate. Sidharth is highly passionate about the field of Cloud and Data Science.