Anyone who has ever used Microsoft Excel knows that the filter function is a godsend. By allowing you to quickly and easily view only the data that interests you, it can save you hours of scrolling through irrelevant information.
However, one downside of the filter function is that it can be tricky to clear, especially if you want to remove all traces of your previous filtering. Luckily, there are a few different methods you can use to clear or remove a filter in Excel, and we’ve outlined them for you below.
So the next time you’re struggling to view your data, just follow our simple step-by-step guide and you’ll have your filters removed in no time.
What is an Excel Filter?
Excel filtering feature allows you to focus on a specific subset of information, making it easier to find what you’re looking for. For example, let’s say you have a list of sales figures for different products.
Using a filter, you could easily see which products are selling well and which ones need improvement. Excel filters can be applied to both numerical data and text-based data.
They can also be used in conjunction with other features, such as conditional formatting and pivot tables. In short, filters are a versatile tool that can make working with data in Excel much easier.
Problems Associated with Excel Filters and Why Would You Want to Remove Them?
Excel filters are a great way to quickly sort and analyze data. However, there are a few potential problems that can occur when using filters.
- First, if you have a lot of data, the filter may slow down your computer.
- Second, if you accidentally apply the wrong filter, it can be difficult to remove.
- Moreover, another issue with excel filters is that they can be easily applied by mistake. For example, let’s say you have a column of data that you want to filter by month. You select the column and click on the filter button, but instead of selecting “Month” from the list of options, you accidentally select “Merge Cells.” Now all of your data is merged into one cell, and it’s a total mess.
- Finally, Filters can make it difficult to see all of your data at once. So, if you share your Excel file with someone else, they may not be able to see the filtered data unless they have the same filter settings that you do.
For these reasons, it is sometimes necessary to remove filters from an Excel file. This can be done by following some simple steps that we’re gonna discussed further.
How to Clear Filter in Excel -Detailed Guide
Now that we’ve gone over some of the potential problems associated with filters, let’s discuss how to clear filters in Excel.
As we mentioned before, there are a few different methods you can use to remove filters. Let’s take a look at each one in detail.
Clearing Filter in One Column at a Time
To clear a filter in one column, you’re just gonna have to follow this simple method discussed below:
- First of all, choose the column you want to remove the filters from.
- Now search for the heading of that particular column. With the heading, you will notice a small funnel-like “Filter icon”.
- Click that icon and it will take you to a drop-down menu.
- From this menu click the “Clear filter from (name of the column)” and your filter will be removed from that column.
Repeat this process for every column you want to remove the filters from.
Clearing All the Filters at Once
If you want to remove all the filters from your sheet at once, here’s what you need to do:
- First, go to the “Data” tab on the ribbon and locate the “Sort and Filter” group.
- From this group click on the “Clear Filters” button.
- You will notice that all the filters are removed from your sheet and your data is back to normal.
Keep in mind that this method will only work if you have applied filters to more than one column.
Other than that, you can also use a keyboard shortcut to clear all filters. To do this, press the keys “Alt + D + F + F” on your keyboard.
This is a quick and easy way to remove filters from your sheet if you need to do it frequently.
Conclusion
So there you have it – a quick and easy guide on how to clear filter in Excel. As you can see, it’s a pretty simple process. And, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to do it in no time at all. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and give it a try!
