# Dynamic Content Blocks

> Create rich, data-driven content by combining your chart data with HTML or Markdown templates in Canvas Dashboards.

## Introduction

Dynamic Content Blocks let you build **custom, data-driven content** using Markdown, HTML, and CSS that **automatically updates with live data** from your models.

## Why Use Dynamic Content Blocks?

Standard chart types work well for common scenarios, but sometimes you need more flexibility:

- **Narratives with live data** - Generate insights like *"Revenue increased by 12.4% compared to Q2"* that refresh automatically, instead of static text
- **Custom visualizations** - Build Dumbbell charts, Kanban boards, calendar heatmaps, or any chart type not available in standard options
- **Branded layouts** - Design product catalogs, metric cards, or KPI displays that match your company's visual identity
- **Interactive controls** - Create custom filter buttons or date selectors using HTML and cross-filtering

## How It Works

Dynamic Content Blocks combine two things: 
- Your **data** (from a dataset query) 
- A **template** (HTML/Markdown with placeholders). 

The template references data fields using a simple syntax, and Holistics renders the final content by injecting live values.

When your underlying data changes, the rendered content updates automatically.

## Limitations

- **No JavaScript execution** in templates (HTML/CSS only), for security reasons

## Get Started

- **[Getting Started](./getting-started.md)** - Step-by-step tutorial to create your first block
- **[Syntax Reference](./syntax-reference.md)** - Complete guide to template syntax and troubleshooting
- **[Template Gallery](./gallery/index.mdx)** - Ready-to-use examples you can copy and customize