What is OpenSearch UI?

OpenSearch UI is the next-generation analytics interface for Amazon OpenSearch Service. Unlike legacy OpenSearch Dashboards (which runs on a single domain), OpenSearch UI is cloud-hosted, supports multiple data sources, stays available during upgrades, and includes workspaces, SSO, and GenAI features.

Key features

  • Multiple data source support — connect OpenSearch domains, Serverless collections, CloudWatch Logs, and Security Lake in one interface
  • Zero downtime during upgrades — hosted in the AWS Cloud, stays operational during cluster upgrades
  • Workspaces — team-based spaces for Observability, Security Analytics, Search, and more
  • Single sign-on — IAM Identity Center and SAML federation support
  • GenAI-powered analytics — natural language queries, Amazon Q integration
  • Multiple query languages — PPL, SQL, DQL, and Lucene

OpenSearch UI vs OpenSearch Dashboards

FeatureOpenSearch UIOpenSearch Dashboards
HostingAWS-managed (cloud)Runs on the domain
Data sourcesMultiple domains + collections + CloudWatch + Security LakeSingle domain only
Availability during upgrades✅ Always available❌ Down during upgrades
Workspaces✅ Team-based❌ Single shared space
SSO / SAML✅ IAM Identity Center + SAML⚠️ SAML only (domain-level)
GenAI features✅ Amazon Q, natural language queries❌ Not available
Cross-account / cross-region✅ Native support❌ Not supported
Query languagesPPL, SQL, DQL, LuceneDQL, Lucene

When to use OpenSearch Dashboards: Legacy Dashboards is still useful for direct domain-level access, custom plugins not yet supported in OpenSearch UI, or regions where OpenSearch UI isn't available yet.

What's next

Ready to get started? Head to Quick Start to create your first application.