How to Use the Filter Pane in Power BI
Using the Filter Pane in Power BI
Overview
The Filter Pane in Power BI lets you refine the information displayed on a report page. By adjusting filters, you can focus on specific departments, time periods, or other criteria helping you view only the data that matters most to you.
In most reports, filters are preconfigured by the report author. As an end user, you may have access to page-level filters, which affect all visuals on the page you’re viewing. These filters do not change data for other report pages or for other users.
What Are Page-Level Filters?
Page-level filters apply to every visual on a single report page.
When you change a filter on one page, the other pages remain unaffected.
This makes it easy to explore one view of data at a time without altering the report for others.
How to Use the Filter Pane
Follow these steps to adjust the filters available on your report page:
1. Open the Filter Pane.
In Power BI, look for the Filter pane on the right side of the report page. Click it to expand or collapse the Filter Pane.
2. View the available filters.
You’ll see a list of filters available for this page. These filters were added by the report author to help you refine your view of the data.
3. Adjust filter selections.
Click on a filter to expand it, then select one or more options (i.e. - choose a specific department, college/unit, or proposal number)
As soon as you make a selection, the visuals on the page will update automatically.
Note: Most OVPR reports filter choices will turn orange if it is is currently filtered.
4. Clear or reset filters.
If you want to remove your selections, click the eraser icon next to the filter name.
This resets that filter to its default state as defined by the report author.
5. Collapse the pane when done.
You can collapse the Filter Pane again to maximize your viewing area on the report page.
Your selections will remain in effect until you leave the page or refresh the report.
Important Notes
Your filter changes only apply to your current session — they don’t affect what others see.
Filters reset when you refresh or navigate away from the report (unless you save them with a personal bookmark).
Some filters may appear locked or grayed out — these have been set by the report author and can’t be changed.
Example Use Case
If you’re viewing a report showing research awards across all colleges, you can use the Filter Pane to view only awards from your department.
Once filtered, all visuals, such as charts, tables, and KPIs, will reflect only that department’s data.