The first page you see when you sign into Tumblr is the dashboard. The dashboard serves as your home screen and base of operations for managing your blog and exploring the vast Tumblr universe.
At the top of the dashboard, you will see the search tool and five icons:
- Search Tumblr: conduct searches for other Tumblr blogs and tags
- Check out the Searching Tumblr box on the right for tips about using this tool effectively
- House icon: return to your dashboard
- Circle with diamond inside icon: explore blogs that have been recommended for you as well as the most popular blogs/posts currently on Tumblr
- Categories to explore include: Trending, Staff Picks, Text, Photos, GIFs, Quotes, Links, Chats, Audio, Video
- Find recommended searches on the right hand of the screen (quite helpful for finding new and/or similar blogs)
- Envelope icon: read messages in your inbox
- Messages consist of old Fan Mail (fan mail messages have been replaced with Tumblr’s instant messaging feature; see the next point), questions from the Ask feature on your Tumblr, and Submissions
- See the Connecting with Users page of this guide for tips on utilizing Fan Mail, Ask, and Submissions
- Balloon with smiley face: send instant messages to other Tumblr users
- Lightning bolt icon: access your posts, number of followers, activity feed, drafts, queue, and "edit appearance" options
- Person icon: access your account settings & Tumblr Help, see how many posts you have "liked" and how many blogs you follow, log out of Tumblr, and get a quick view of your blog stats (posts, followers, activity feed, drafts, queue, and edit appearance)
- Blue box with pencil icon: compose a post for your Tumblr
