Easy visual identification of a Context Filter in Tableau
By default, all filters that we set and use in Tableau are computed independently. This means that each filter accesses all rows in the data source without regard to other filters.
However, we can set one or more categorical filters as context filters for the view. The context filter can be considered as being an independent filter. Any other filters that we set are defined as dependent filters because they process only the data that passes through the context filter.
Given below are the typical uses of a Context Filter in Tableau:
1. When we need to ensure that a specific filter has to be carried out first
2. When we need to define a dependent numerical or Top N filter
When we set a dimension/discrete/categorical filter as a Context Filter given below are the ways we can visually identify a Context filter
Visual Indentication#1: They will always appear at the Top of the Filters shelf
Visual Indentication#2: They will always be gray in color on the Filters shelf
In this example State is a Context Filter and City is a Top 10 Filter
Visual Indentication#3: They cannot be rearranged on the Filters shelf i.e. they cannot be moved down from the default Top position
I hope this article is useful for all Tableau users especially for anyone just starting their Tableau journey!!!
