How to Build Your Own Lightdash
Replace Lightdash with a custom build. Build Intelligence, not just dashboards
Build Difficulty: 5/5
Build a working replacement in a weekend with AI tools
Estimated Timeline
Based on 33 features at Weekend Project difficulty, expect about One weekend with AI-assisted development.
Recommended Tech Stack
Full-stack React framework with API routes and server components
PostgreSQL database, auth, and real-time subscriptions
Utility-first styling for rapid UI development
Key Features to Replicate
Top features across 8 categories. See all 33 features
Integration(6 features)
Programmatic access via API and webhook integrations
Native dbt integration that uses all context from dbt to power your BI layer, keeping models and metrics in sync
Embed dashboards via iframe and React SDK with pay-as-you-go or predictable pricing
Sync data to Google Sheets
Receive alerts and answer questions via Slack
+1 more in this category
Developer Experience(4 features)
Review, test, and merge BI changes programmatically with automated testing, version control and CI/CD
Command-line interface tools for managing BI deployments
Test BI changes in preview environments before production deployment
Track and manage versions of BI assets with 30-60 days history
AI(3 features)
AI agents that operate your analytics layer to build dashboards, answer questions, and manage metrics
Use AI agents in the UI or Slack to get trusted answers fast without writing SQL or filing tickets
AI builds dashboards from a single prompt in minutes
Analytics(3 features)
Interactive data exploration and visualization tool
Write and execute custom SQL queries
Track adoption and usage analytics across your organization
Security(3 features)
SCIM 2.0 protocol support for user provisioning
Secure SSH tunnel connections to data warehouses
Single Sign-On support with Google, Okta, Azure AD and custom options
Compliance(2 features)
HIPAA compliance with BAA support
SOC 2 TYPE II compliance certification
Data Governance(2 features)
Governed self-serve access to metrics with natural language queries
Open semantic layer that ensures reliable, consistent results and prevents hallucinations
Reporting(2 features)
Build and manage reports with drag-and-drop interface
Schedule automated report delivery
Cost Calculator
Keep Paying Lightdash
Build It Yourself
Total Cost Comparison
DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 33 features at very easy complexity.