Dashwell Portfolio Creator User Guide

Version: 5.0.3

Platforms: macOS 15.6+ · iPad support planned for a future release

Getting Started

Dashwell Portfolio Creator helps you manage and visualize your investment portfolio across multiple brokers.

Launch Dashwell Portfolio Creator from Applications (macOS)
The app will guide you through initial setup
Import your first portfolio CSV file from your broker

Importing Portfolio Data

To import your positions, transactions, or watchlist:

Go to File → Import (macOS)
Select your broker or CSV file
Choose import type: Positions, Transactions, or Watchlist
Review the preview and click Import

Supported Brokers: Fidelity (verified), Schwab (verified), E*TRADE, Interactive Brokers, and others (via CSV)

Dashboard & Widgets

Customize your dashboard by adding widgets:

Portfolio Summary - Total value, gain/loss, allocation
Top Performers - Best and worst performing positions
Holdings - Detailed position list with prices
Upcoming Events - Earnings, dividends, options
Watchlist - Custom tracked symbols

Drag widgets to rearrange. Long-press to remove or customize.

Settings & Configuration

API Keys - Configure market data providers for live quotes
Accounts - Manage your linked broker accounts
iCloud Sync - Create a cloud environment or join with a Join Code to sync Mac and iPad (optional; off by default)
Data Management - Export or clear your data

Configuring Market Data API Keys

To get live market quotes, you can optionally configure API keys from market data providers:

Alpha Vantage - https://www.alphavantage.co/ (free tier available)
Tiingo - https://www.tiingo.com/ (free tier available)
Massive - https://www.massive.com/ (free tier available)
FMP (Financial Modeling Prep) - https://financialmodelingprep.com/ (free tier available)

Steps:

Sign up for a provider account
Get your API key
In Dashwell Portfolio Creator Settings, go to API Keys
Enter your key for your chosen provider
Dashwell Portfolio Creator will fetch live quotes automatically

API keys are stored securely in macOS Keychain and are never transmitted to us.

Data Security & Privacy

Your data security is our priority:

Local Storage: All data stored on your device, not our servers
Password Protection: Optionally password-protect exported files
iCloud Sync: If enabled, data is encrypted before uploading to iCloud
API Keys: Stored in macOS Keychain (not accessible to us)

For complete details, see our Privacy Policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Dashwell Portfolio Creator offline?

Yes! Dashwell Portfolio Creator works completely offline. Live market data requires internet and configured API keys, but all your local data is always accessible.

How do I export my data?

Go to Settings → Data Management → Export. You can export as CSV for backup or use in other tools.

Can I sync between Mac and iPad?

Yes. In Settings → iCloud Sync, create a cloud environment on one device and note the Join Code. On your other device, choose Join Existing Environment, enter the code and name, and select Editor (sync changes) or Viewer (read-only). Portfolio data syncs; dashboard widget layout stays per device. You do not need to copy your .findash file.

What CSV format does Dashwell Portfolio Creator expect?

Dashwell Portfolio Creator supports CSV files from major brokers (Fidelity, Schwab, etc.). You can also use a generic CSV format with columns: Symbol, Quantity, Price, Account. In Custom Mode, you can use any CSV structure — Dashwell Portfolio Creator will let you map columns to build your custom dashboard.

Can I delete individual positions?

Yes. Select a position or data item and click Delete, or use Settings → Data Management to bulk manage your data.

How often is market data updated?

Market data depends on your API provider's update frequency. Most providers update quotes during market hours (every 1-15 minutes).

Is there a limit to how much data I can import?

No. Dashwell Portfolio Creator uses a SQLite database which can handle millions of positions and transactions. Performance depends on your device's storage.

What if I need help?

Visit our Support page for contact options and additional resources.

For detailed documentation and calculations, visit the home page or contact support.

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