How to Sync Panel-Specific Custom Time Ranges with Global Dashboard Time Picker?

Grafana Time Series Panel
1

I need help understanding how Grafana handles panel-level custom time ranges versus the global dashboard time picker.

My requirement:

  • Each panel should be able to run on its own custom time range (e.g., 15m, 1h, etc.)

  • But when a user changes the Grafana dashboard time picker, all panels should automatically switch back to the global time range.

  • When switching back to a custom mode, each panel should again follow its own custom time window.

What I tried:

  • I used variables to define custom ranges.

  • But Grafana always gives priority to panel-level overrides over the dashboard time picker.

  • I want a way where:

    • Panels stay independent during “custom mode”

    • All panels sync when global time picker is used

What I’m looking for:

Is there a recommended way to:

  1. Allow per-panel custom time ranges

  2. BUT override them using the global dashboard time picker

  3. Ideally through variables, transformations, or any best practice method

My dashboard setup:

  • Grafana version: 12.2.1

  • Panels using PromQL

Key question:

How can I ensure that panel-level custom time windows get overridden when the dashboard time picker is changed, but still work normally when in custom mode?

2

So how do you switch between regular and custom mode? What is custom mode?