Setting a Default Filter on a Widget

Setting a Default Filter on a Widget

Attach a saved filter to a widget's own configuration, so it loads pre-filtered every time

Contents

• 1. Introduction & Context
• 2. Key Features & Functions
• 3. Requirements
• 4. Step-by-Step Guide
• 5. Common Issues & Troubleshooting
• 6. Related Articles

1. Introduction & Context

Instead of applying a filter every time you view a widget, you can attach a saved filter to the widget's own configuration in Dashboard Widgets, so it loads pre-filtered automatically for anyone who sees it.

Who is it for? Whoever is building or editing the widget itself, rather than someone just viewing it day to day.

What does it impact? A filter set this way applies to everyone who sees that widget, in addition to any filter they apply themselves from the widget's own Filter icon. Unlike a personal filter, they cannot remove it, only supplement it. It does not change what data anyone has access to, only what the widget displays by default; access is still controlled by Security Groups.

2. Key Features & Functions

• Filters field: the Dashboard Widgets builder screen has a dedicated Filters field where you attach one or more saved filters to the widget's configuration.
• Applies to everyone: a filter attached here loads for every user who sees the widget, not just you.
• Stacks with dashboard filters: it is applied in addition to any filter selected from the dashboard itself, not instead of it.
• Cannot be removed by other users: once set, users viewing the widget can supplement it with their own filter, but cannot clear the one set here.

Example scenario: An "Obligation Status by Register" widget is shared across a team, but only obligations that have been assigned a status should ever appear on it. Rather than asking every team member to apply the same filter themselves, you attach it directly to the widget's configuration, so it's always in effect.

3. Requirements

• You need access to edit the widget through Dashboard Widgets.
• The filter you want to attach must already be saved. See How to Apply My Own Filters in a Widget to create one first.
• Consider whether the filter should apply to everyone before attaching it here; unlike a personal filter, other users will not be able to remove it.

4. Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open the widget for editing from Dashboard Widgets.
2. In the Filters field, select the saved filter you want applied every time this widget loads.
3. Click Save.
4. Refresh the dashboard to see the widget update with the filter already applied.
   
   

5. Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Best practices:

• Only attach a filter here when it should genuinely apply to everyone who sees the widget.
• Give the underlying filter a clear Title so anyone editing the widget later understands what it does.
• Let users apply their own personal filter on top, rather than trying to cover every use case in the widget's default.
• Review widgets periodically to confirm an attached filter is still the right default as your data or processes change.

6. Related Articles

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