You can use filtering to limit the amount of data returned by a query. This is especially useful in situations where you are dealing with large hierarchies. By filtering the results, you can work with a smaller set of data and reduce the amount of time required to execute the query.

Defining filters

Filters can be defined in three ways:

1. Using the column filter submenu

 
Filters can easily be defined for members on the column axis by using the Filter submenu as shown below.

Manage... brings up the Filters window, in which you can manage all filters for the current data source.

Remove Filter will remove the current filter on the column.

All other commands add or replace the filter for the column.

Filters that require some input parameters will display a dialog that enables you to enter any values to filter on, as shown below.

Click OK to complete the creation of the filter.

2. Using the cell filter submenu

You can quickly add a filter to the current column a cell is located in by using the Filter submenu of the cell as shown below:

Clicking on one of the filter items will append the filter to the set of filter for the column. This is unlike the column filters submenu, in which selecting a filter will replace any current filters for the column.

3. Using the Filters window

You can also add filters using the filters window. See the corresponding topic for more information on how to use the Filters window.

Note: if a filter has been defined on a column, the header of the column in the grid to which the filter applies will have a small filter icon displayed in it. Clicking this icon invokes the filters window.