Forum Discussion

ArchiveUser's avatar
ArchiveUser
Qrew Captain
9 years ago

MS Excel style Sort & Filter plus Search

Is there a way to sort, filter and search a column like Excel?  The arrow in the column only provides grouping.  Some of my columns contain individual numbers, but I want to filter based on several columns.  These choice of columns aren't always the same either.

Please pardon the simplicity of the question.  I am trying out QuickBase for the company to move out of Excel and into a better system, so I am not up to speed on all the possibilities or limits.

Thanks! 
  • QuickBaseCoachD's avatar
    QuickBaseCoachD
    Qrew Captain
    9 years ago
    No problem.


    Make a report which includes at least the columns you want to search ion.


    Type in your search terms separated by the word AND in upper case

    That should only give hits where all criteria is met.
  • MCFNeil's avatar
    MCFNeil
    Qrew Captain
    9 years ago
    If you want several options use "OR".

    Alternatively most common filters are used via the dynamic filters on the left column.  You can select multiples with these filters and should give the best flexibility for advances searches that you are looking for.
  • ArchiveUser's avatar
    ArchiveUser
    Qrew Captain
    9 years ago
    Thanks for the reply!  I tried that, and it does work to show just the projects I need.  But it seems like a cumbersome method.  There is no way to just filter the project table down like is done in Excel?  This also may be my mentality of not traditionally working in a database and instead doing everything on the spreadsheet.

    The main problem is that while we have standard items to look for, it's not always the case.  I would hate to have to build queries for all bizarre one-off combos that either clutter up the reports page, or have a person constantly recreate a query based on 80+ columns of data.

    It just may be that this is the price we will pay by transitioning to a database versus working in a spreadsheet.
  • QuickBaseCoachD's avatar
    QuickBaseCoachD
    Qrew Captain
    9 years ago
    Well, it works how it works.

    Are you familiar with Dynamic filters? Do they help in your situation. You get up to 5 fields to specify as dynamic filters, and the work on an AND basis as well, i.e. All the filters selected must be true fir records to qualify to be displayed.
  • ArchiveUser's avatar
    ArchiveUser
    Qrew Captain
    9 years ago
    Not familiar with dynamic filters, but I will read about them and learn.  I have two things going against me: 1. Not a programmer or a database person... and 2. I have been in the Excel mode of doing our task / project management tracking & until a week or so ago, building a SharePoint site to move into.

    We can move to a dynamic filter method of searching, no problem, just trying to see how far out of everyone's comfort zone we will need to move and to what extent we will need to modify our process if we go with QuickBase.
  • QuickBaseCoachD's avatar
    QuickBaseCoachD
    Qrew Captain
    9 years ago
    Dynamic Filters are fantastic if you data naturally falls into various "Categories".

    For example. Just orders in status Open and also just in the state of NY. Plus you still get 3 more Fields to specify as DFs plus you still have the search field at the top of the report too.

    No problem in QB to not be able to quickly find what you want.
  • RodneyAlderman's avatar
    RodneyAlderman
    Qrew Member
    9 years ago
    Hi Neil, today i opened a trial Quickbase account and had the same issue and can only offer a work around. Let me know and I will share. 
  • ArchiveUser's avatar
    ArchiveUser
    Qrew Captain
    9 years ago
    Yes, please!!  Though I will be looking at the dynamic filtration setup also.  I am not a database person so this is a whole new world for me.

    I will say Thanks to all who have helped me so far.  This is a great community to deal with.
  • QuickBaseCoachD's avatar
    QuickBaseCoachD
    Qrew Captain
    9 years ago
    Just go to settings for the table, then Reports, then at the top right report defaults and choose the first choice, which is the set the report defaults for reports, and scroll down and set the up to 5 fields ot use as your default Dynamic Filters.  That will likely be enough to get you started.
  • RodneyAlderman's avatar
    RodneyAlderman
    Qrew Member
    9 years ago

    Hi Neil - What QuickBaseCoach is suggesting is correct as the filters are on the left hand side of the table under "FILTERS" dropdown and that is QuickBase's filter feature. However, if I understood your original question then I believe you are looking for an Excel like filter. Therefore, my workaround is for you go to the top right and depending on where you are QuickBase has a nice feature called "Import/Export" or "More". Click Import/Export and export table to Excel or LibreOffice's Calc Spreadsheet and work with filters there. Again, this is a workaround not a fix. Also, you can do the same by Clicking on "More" and selecting Import/Export and Export to Excel or LibreOffice's Calc and it appears there is another option under "More" called "Save as a spreadsheet".

    Regards,