# Dashboard filters

Dashboard filters apply to every tile on the dashboard. Dashboard editors set these up to remain active for all users across all sessions.

With these filters, you can create focused dashboards for specific audiences or purposes and ensure all tiles show data from the same filtered subset.

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Example**
>
> Apply a dashboard filter to show only data from the current financial year, ensuring every tile on the dashboard reflects this time period without requiring individual tile filters.

## Creating a dashboard filter

To add a dashboard filter:

1. Open your dashboard and click **Edit**.
2. Click **Filters** to open the filters side panel.
3. Under **Dashboard Filters**, click **\+ Add Filter**.
4. In the **Select filter** dialogue, add your filter values using variables, audiences, or files. See [Working with filters](<https://help.apteco.com/en/orbit/dashboards/filtering/using-filters/index.md>).
5. Click **Apply**.
6. Add any additional filters by clicking **\+ Add Filter** again.
7. Toggle on **Show filters in view mode** if you want viewers to see the filters in view mode.

   > **Note**
   >
   > Even when hidden to viewers in the side panel, dashboard filters remain active.

   > **Tip**
   >
   > If you hide dashboard filters, consider documenting them in the dashboard description so viewers understand why certain data isn't visible.
8. You can modify existing dashboard filters. See [Editing existing filters](<https://help.apteco.com/en/orbit/dashboards/filtering/using-filters/#editing-existing-filters>).
9. Click **Close**.
10. **Save** your dashboard.

The dashboard filter applies immediately to all tiles.

## Dashboard filters and user interaction

Dashboard filters interact with other filter types:

- **User filters**: Users can apply additional user filters on top of dashboard filters. The filters work together to further narrow the data displayed.
- **Tile filters**: Tile filters work in combination with dashboard filters. Both must be satisfied for data to appear on a tile.
- **Predefined filters**: Dashboard filters remain active even when users apply predefined filters.
- **Search filters**: Search results are constrained by active dashboard filters.