Can you add a column to filter on without losing existing filters?

[Methodician]

I've run into this so many times I have to find a solution.

I have some huge dataset and spend hours meticulously filtering it down to a subset. I add a couple columns to the dataset for notes or formulas and now want to filter on these new columns, without removing and re-applying all filters. At the very least, without losing all the filtering I've already done.

Is there a way to just add a new column to the filter set? That is, I want to add the filter drop-down to my newly added columns without removing and re-applying those on the pre-existing columns.

Seems simple enough...

 

[revcanon]

If I understand properly, you are filtering for a dataset, then adding columns. Those new columns wouldn't have filtering applied to them yet because you did the filtering before adding columns.

If you add your notes/formula columns first, then begin your filtering for a subset, you would be able to continue filtering further without having to start over after adding notes or formulas.

I would also encourage you to create a VBA recording to automate much of what you are doing if you are spending hours filtering in the first place.

If you aren't familiar with using VBA, it can be a struggle to teach yourself and develop an efficient macro to begin with, but can save you many man hours in the future.

 

[Methodician]

Thanks. You know, I hadn't considered creating a macro for something I'm only doing once or twice but that might be a good solution here. I'm quote familiar with VBA...

I suppose a little foresight is the best solution here - creating my additional columns before beginning the work. I usually just dive right in.

 

[alex0182828]

Yep all you need to do is pop an x or some random thing in a column like 20 rows away from your last and then you can preserve your fliters while adding new columns into the sheet. Super easy