What is a filter ?

Filters are basically simple queries but they only apply to open tables or forms.  

Filters are best used for temporarily altering the view of the data in a table:

·       For filtering out records that you don’t want.

·       For narrowing the focus of your view (one year out of many).

·       For viewing records that meet complex criteria.

·       For sorting records on the content of several fields.

·       For sorting fields in differing directions (one ascending another descending).

To filter records in a table datasheet by selection

·         Display a database table.

·         Click in a cell containing the item that you wish to filter on.

In the example shown we have clicked on a cell containing the word "car"

·         Click on the Filter by Selection icon in the toolbar.  In this example only fields containing the word "car" will be displayed, as illustrated.

To filter records in a table datasheet by form

·         Open a database table.  In the example shown, Field1 contains the items Car , Van and Truck .

·         Click on the Filter by Form icon and the table will change, as illustrated.

·         Notice the drop down arrow in Field1 .

·         Click on the drop down arrow and you may select one of the items displayed to filter this field on.

·         In the example shown we have chosen Van .

To apply the filter

·         Click on the Apply Filter icon, and only cells within Field1 containing the item Van will be displayed.