Databases

Unit 2: Manipulating the Data in a Database

Lesson 4: Sorting and Filtering Records

How do you filter records by selection?

Filtering records by selection is the easiest way to filter records.

Filter by Selection allows you to list all records with a value that matches the field value you specify.

There are three variations of Filter by Selection. You can choose to list all records that:

1. exactly match an existing field value.
2. partially match an existing field value.
3. match two or more adjacent field values.

The following animation shows an example of each:

Things to note in the above animation:

1. The toolbar button toggles (turns off and on) the last filter you defined.
2. When you select a field for an exact match, you can either position the cursor in the field or select the whole field.
3. If you want to select two non-adjacent fields, move one of the fields to be next to the other.
4. It's a bit tricky to select multiple fields or values. You need to position the cursor at one side of a field until it changes into a cross: . Then click and drag across or down the field or fields you want to select.