# Filter your data Filtering helps you narrow down large amounts of data so you can focus on what is relevant to your analysis. By applying filters, you can exclude unnecessary information, isolate specific segments, and better understand patterns or performance. Different filtering methods can affect data at different stages of the analysis process, from limiting the underlying data to controlling what appears in a visualization. ## Filter your data In Databox, filters can be applied at several levels depending on how broadly you want the filter to apply. You can filter data in **datasets**, **metrics**, **Databoards**, and **visualizations**. Each level affects a different part of the reporting process, from limiting the data included in a dataset to narrowing down the data used in a metric or analysis. filtering-in-databox ### ![lock](/assets/lock.2fb1bbc208afcc03d15a0a45f22bdf7f830322016e038e5721965851130807af.419bb737.svg) Limit dataset fields by selecting columns When creating a dataset, you can limit the data available for analysis by selecting only the columns you need. This helps focus your dataset on the most relevant data and reduces unnecessary complexity. For detailed instructions, see [Create a dataset](/create-a-dataset). ### ![lock](/assets/lock.2fb1bbc208afcc03d15a0a45f22bdf7f830322016e038e5721965851130807af.419bb737.svg) Filter data in a dataset Dataset filters restrict the records stored in the dataset. All metrics and visualizations built from the dataset use the filtered data. 1. Go to [Data Manager > Datasets](https://app.databox.com/data-manager/datasets). 2. Locate dataset you want to edit and click the **down arrow** (![chevron-down](/assets/chevron-down.dfd0e90adc6eb576be32262463090aae7c7f5408ed7975e3795f69775e36d174.419bb737.svg)) to open the dataset options menu. 3. Select **Edit data**. 4. Locate the column you want to filter and click the **down arrow** (![chevron-down](/assets/chevron-down.dfd0e90adc6eb576be32262463090aae7c7f5408ed7975e3795f69775e36d174.419bb737.svg)) to open the column options menu. 5. Select **Filter**. 6. Select the **operator**. 7. Enter the **value** if required. 8. Click **Add**. filter-in-a-dataset ### Filter data when creating a custom metric Custom metric filters define which records are included in the metric calculation. Any visualization that uses the metric will reflect these filters. 1. Go to [Metrics > Custom Metrics](https://app.databox.com/metrics/custom-metrics). 2. Click **+ Custom metric**, or open an existing custom metric. 3. Configure the metric fields. 4. Click **Advanced Options**. 5. Under **Filters**, select a **Column**, **Operator**, and **Value**. 6. Click **+** to add more filters. 7. Click **Preview data** to verify the results. 8. If everything looks correct, click **Save**. filter-in-a-custom-metric Filtering is currently not available for custom metrics created using calculations. ### Filter data across a Databoard Databoard filters allow you to apply a filter across multiple visualizations at once. 1. Open the **Databoard**. 2. Click **Filter data** in the toolbar at the bottom of the Databoard. 3. Select the **dimension or column** you want to filter by. 4. Select the **operator** and enter one or more **values**. 5. Click **Add more filters +** to apply additional filters if needed. 6. Click **Apply** when you are satisfied with the results. filter-in-a-databoard The values shown combine the options available across all metrics in the Databoard. Selecting a value that does not exist in one or more metrics will result in an empty visualization. Databoard filters override filters applied at the visualization level. Once applied, previously configured visualization filters are removed and must be manually re-added if needed. ### Filter data in a visualization You can filter the data shown in a visualization to focus on a specific subset of data. To filter in a visualization: 1. Open the Databoard in the **Designer.** 2. Click on the visualization to open the **Datablock editor**. 3. Expand the **metric** you want to filter. 4. Under **Filters**, click **+** or the **filter selector**. 5. Add one or more **filters** to define which data should be included in the metric. 6. Click **Apply**. filter-in-a-visualization ### Break down data by dimension Breaking down data by dimension splits a metric into categories based on a selected dimension. This allows you to compare how the metric performs across different segments of your data. For example, you can break down revenue by campaign, region, or product to see how each category contributes to the total value. To break down data in a visualization: 1. Open the **Databoard** in the **Designer**. 2. Click the **visualization** to open the **Datablock editor**. 3. Expand the **metric** you want to analyze. 4. Under **Breakdown by**, select the **dimension** you want to use. You can break down data across all visualizations at once using the [Filter data](#filter-data-across-a-databoard) option in the toolbar at the bottom of the Databoard. The best filtering method depends on where you want the filter to apply and how broadly it should affect your analysis. Use: - **Dataset filters** to restrict the underlying data used in analysis - **Metric filters** to control which data is included when a metric is calculated - **Databoard filters** to apply filters across multiple visualizations at once - **Visualization filters** to analyze specific subsets of data in a single visualization - **Breakdowns** to split a metric into categories based on a selected dimension Available filtering options depend on the source of the metric. For metrics created from [datasets](/understanding-datasets), you can filter by any column that was included as a **dimension** when creating the metric. For other metrics, filtering behavior depends on the capabilities of the API provider. In some cases, you must first select a **breakdown dimension** before filtering becomes available. In other cases, filtering may not be supported due to limitations of the provider's API. When you break down a metric by a dimension, values with **no associated metric activity (0 values)** may not appear in the results. Some integrations return data that is already **aggregated by the provider's API**. If a dimension value has no recorded metric value within the selected date range, the API may omit it from the response entirely instead of returning it with a value of 0. As a result, those dimension values will not appear in the breakdown. For example, when breaking down Impressions by Campaign, campaigns that received 0 impressions during the selected date range may be omitted from the results. The Campaign dimension itself is still available, but only campaigns with at least one recorded impression will appear in the breakdown.   Ask Genie Get instant answers or help with your data using the in-app AI assistant. Talk to an expert For customers: Get help with your setup, strategy, or making the most of Databox. Book a demo New to Databox? 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