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How to Use AutoFilter

Learn how to filter and work with product data using Excel's AutoFilter feature in cobby.

What is AutoFilter​

AutoFilter adds dropdown arrows to column headers, allowing you to:

  • Show only specific products
  • Filter by value, date, or number
  • Search for specific text
  • Work with subsets of data

Understanding AutoFilter in cobby​

The AutoFilter appears in cobby sheets next to each attribute name in the table header.

Different columns offer different filtering options based on the data type:

  • Text columns: Value list and text search
  • Number columns: Greater than, less than, equals
  • Date columns: Date ranges and specific dates

Using the Value List​

Basic Filtering​

  1. Click the AutoFilter dropdown arrow
  2. Uncheck (Select all)
  3. Check only the values you want to see
  4. Click OK

Result: Only rows with selected values are shown.

Search for Values​

  1. Click the AutoFilter dropdown
  2. Type in the search field
  3. The value list automatically filters to matching items
  4. Check the value you want
  5. Click OK

Example: Filter products in the "Sale" category

  • Type "Sale" in search
  • Check the matching category
  • Click OK to see only Sale products

Filtering by Data Type​

Text Columns​

Available filters:

  • Equals / Does not equal
  • Begins with / Ends with
  • Contains / Does not contain

Example: Show products with "Nike" in the name

  1. Click Name filter dropdown
  2. Text Filters > Contains
  3. Enter "Nike"
  4. Click OK

Number Columns (Prices, Stock)​

Available filters:

  • Equals / Does not equal
  • Greater than / Less than
  • Between
  • Top 10
  • Above/Below average

Example: Show products with price over 100

  1. Click Price filter dropdown
  2. Number Filters > Greater Than
  3. Enter 100
  4. Click OK

Date Columns​

Available filters:

  • Equals / Before / After
  • Between dates
  • Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow
  • This week, Last week, Next week
  • This month, Last month, Next month
  • This year, Last year, Next year

Example: Show products with special prices ending this month

  1. Click "Special Price To Date" filter
  2. Date Filters > This Month
  3. Click OK

Clearing Filters​

Clear Single Column​

Click the filter dropdown and select (Select all)

Clear All Filters​

Go to Data ribbon > Clear (in Sort & Filter group)

Visual Indicators​

  • Blue row numbers: Filters are active
  • Filter icon: Shows which columns have filters applied

Working with Filtered Data​

Copying Filtered Data​

When you copy visible cells:

  • Only visible (filtered) rows are copied
  • Hidden rows are ignored
  • This is usually what you want

Pasting into Filtered Data​

Important: Be careful when pasting into filtered areas.

The problem:

  • Excel pastes into ALL rows, including hidden ones
  • Data doesn't go where you expect

Example: You copy 3 values and paste into rows 13-15 (visible). Excel pastes into rows 13, 14, 15 even if 14 is hidden, so your data ends up in the wrong places.

Solution: Always use formulas when working with filtered data.

Using Formulas with Filters​

Safe Approach​

Instead of copying and pasting:

  1. Create a formula in the first visible cell
  2. Reference the source data
  3. Copy the formula down

Example:

=SourceSheet![@Price]

The formula automatically adjusts for each row and respects filters.

Advanced Filtering​

Multiple Filters​

Apply filters to multiple columns:

  1. Filter by Category = "Shoes"
  2. Then filter by Brand = "Nike"
  3. Result: Only Nike shoes are shown

Filters work together (AND logic).

Custom Filters​

Create complex conditions:

  1. Click filter dropdown
  2. Choose Custom Filter or Text/Number/Date Filters
  3. Set up to two conditions with AND/OR
  4. Click OK

Example: Products with price between 50 and 100

  1. Price filter > Number Filters > Between
  2. Enter 50 and 100
  3. Click OK

Common Use Cases​

Find Products Needing Attention​

Low stock:

  • Filter Stock < 10
  • Update quantities or reorder

Missing data:

  • Filter for (Blanks)
  • Fill in missing information

Outdated special prices:

  • Filter Special Price To Date < Today
  • Remove expired prices

Work with Specific Categories​

Filter by category to:

  • Update pricing for one category
  • Change visibility settings
  • Bulk edit attributes

Quality Control​

Find duplicates:

  • Sort by SKU or Name
  • Look for consecutive identical values

Check prices:

  • Filter unusual prices
  • Verify they're correct

Tips​

  • Save filter views: Use cobby presets to save filter combinations
  • Combine with sorting: Sort within filtered results
  • Use search: Faster than scrolling through long value lists
  • Check row numbers: Blue numbers confirm filters are active
  • Clear regularly: Remove filters when done to see all data

Troubleshooting​

Filter dropdown missing?
  • AutoFilter may be disabled
  • Go to Data > Filter to enable
Can't see some rows?
  • Check if filters are active (blue row numbers)
  • Clear all filters to see everything
Pasted data in wrong rows?
  • You pasted into a filtered range
  • Undo and use formulas instead
Filter not showing all values?
  • Scroll down in the value list
  • Use search to find specific values
Date filter not working?
  • Ensure cells are formatted as dates, not text
  • Check date format matches your system settings
  • Sort: Order data within filters (Data > Sort)
  • Custom Views: Excel feature to save filter states
  • Advanced Filter: More complex filtering (Data > Advanced)