Sections View is the new Default in Home Assistant!

The latest Home Assistant 2024.11 release, introduces a new default view – the Sections view (drag-and-drop). Previously in experimental mode, this view is now the new default for organizing your smart home interface. If you’re wondering how this impacts you, how to use it, or how to convert your existing views, this guide will walk you through everything step-by-step.

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What is the “Sections” View?

The “Sections” view is a new way to organize your Home Assistant dashboard. Unlike the old Masonry view, which laid out cards in a grid with limited customization, the Sections view allows you to:

• Drag and drop cards into customizable sections or columns.
• Fine-tune card layouts for better visibility and screen optimization.
• Duplicate existing views for safe experimentation without losing your original setup.

This update makes creating a cleaner, more personalized dashboard easier than ever.

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Why Update to Home Assistant 2024.11?

To take advantage of this new feature, you’ll need to update to Home Assistant 2024.11 or higher. Without this update, the converter tool for switching to the Sections view won’t be available. Keeping your system up-to-date also ensures that you benefit from the latest features, bug fixes, and performance improvements.

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Check the video tutorial if you wish

Don’t want to read anymore? No problems, check my video tutorial below and you’ll see the same things described here:

Step-by-Step Guide to Convert to the Sections View

1. Preparing Your Dashboard

Before converting, it’s a good idea to rename your current view for easy differentiation:

1. Click the pencil icon on your view to edit it.
2. Rename your current view (optional but helpful). For example, change the name from “Home” to “Masonry.”
3. Go to your dashboard and click Done to exit any active editing mode.

2. Starting the Conversion

1. Click the pencil icon on your Masonry view again.
2. Change the View Type from “Masonry” to “Sections.”
3. A Convert button will appear. Click it to duplicate your current view as a new Sections view.
   Note: The original Masonry view remains unchanged. You’ll have two views: the old Masonry layout and the new Sections layout.
4. Click Create, and your new Sections view will be generated.

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How to use the Sections Converter?

Renaming and Organizing

1. Rename the new view to something like “Sections” for clarity (optional but highly recommended step).
2. All existing cards from your old Masonry view will be available on your screen and you can pick them one-by-one.
3. Start dragging and dropping cards into different sections to organize your layout.
4. If a card doesn’t fit where you want it, for example: If there is a card too large and blocks your layout, do the following:
   • Cut/Copy and Paste: Use the three-dot menu to cut or copy the card and paste it into the correct section.
   • Paste it into the correct section or column using the “+” button and click on “Paste from Clipboard“.

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Fine-Tuning with Precise Mode

One powerful new feature in the Sections view is the new Precise Mode, which allows detailed control over card widths. Here’s how to use it:

1. Edit a Card: Click the pencil icon and go to the card’s Layout settings.
2. Enable Precise Mode.
3. Adjust the card’s width in smaller increments to fit your screen perfectly.

Tip: Use this mode to optimize your dashboard for specific devices, such as tablets or mobile phones.

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Making the Sections View Your Default

To make the Sections view your default:

1. Click the pencil icon on your dashboard.
2. Drag the Sections view to the top left of the list to set it as the default.
3. Click Done to save the order.

Now, every time you return to your dashboard, the Sections view will load by default.

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Deleting the Old Masonry View

If you’re satisfied with the new layout:

1. Go to the Edit View settings for your Masonry view.
2. Select Delete View and confirm.
3. Your dashboard will now use only the new Sections view.

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Additional Features in the Sections View

The Sections view also includes:

• Badge Customization: Add badges for quick status indicators.
• Column Adjustments: Create multiple columns for better organization.
• Easy Reordering: Drag and drop cards to reorganize your layout at any time.

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Benefits of the Sections View

The Sections view offers several advantages:

1. Better Organization: Cards are neatly arranged in sections, making it easier to navigate.
2. Drag-and-Drop Simplicity: Quickly adjust your layout without complex configurations.
3. Screen Optimization: Customize card sizes and layout for different devices.
4. Future-Proofing: With Masonry no longer the default, transitioning now ensures compatibility with future updates.

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Final Thoughts

The new default Sections view is a welcome update for Home Assistant users, offering an intuitive, flexible, and visually appealing way to manage dashboards. Whether you’re starting fresh or converting an existing view, this tool is designed to make your smart home interface more user-friendly.

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Are You Ready to Switch?

What do you think of the new Sections view? Will you use the converter to transition from the Masonry layout? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

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