The Search and Filters bar in Apicbase can be your most powerful tool if you know how to use it effectively. In this article, you will learn how to use these functions to their fullest potential.
When managing long lists, locating specific items can become challenging. Searching within and Filtering the list helps speed up the process by allowing quick access to items and data. In Apicbase, a sidebar with Filters and a Search box is available on multiple pages, like the Ingredients and Recipes lists, the Counting page, or the Create Order page, though its filters may differ depending on the specific page.
Hide Filter (1): Use it to hide the entire Filters bar. Can be useful for smaller screens. You can retrieve the bar by clicking on the funnel symbol 
.
Clear Filters (2): This will reset all the active filters you have applied, returning the view to its original state.
Reverse Active Filters (3): Changes the current filter logic to show the opposite results (see section below).
Search Bar (4): It allows you to quickly find specific items or data within the list by entering keywords.
Hide Filter (5): The eye symbol 
allows you to remove a filter from its current position. Hidden filters will be kept at the bottom of the sidebar. You can retrieve a filter by clicking the dashed eye symbol 
.
Reset Filter (6): Clicking the eraser symbol 
clears all the checked options of the filter, returning it to its original state.
Collapse Filter (7): Use the black arrow to chide the options of a filter, while keeping it active.
Filter Search Bar (8): When a filter has more than 8 options, a search bar will be available. Use it to find specific options among this filter.
In smaller screens, the Filters Bar will be hidden by default. You can make it visible by clicking the Filter button that will appear on the top right corner of your screen.
Filters Logic
Using the Reverse Active Filters option will add a "NOT" to the filtering logic, making the filters show the opposite results. For example, in the recipe list, if I use the filter for the outlet The Messy Café and use the reverse option, I will see all recipes that do NOT belong to The Messy Café.
There are times when multiple filters will be used simultaneously. In such cases, Apicbase applies an "AND" logic. That means only items that meet all selected conditions will be shown. For instance, in the recipe list, if we use the filter for the outlet The Messy Café, and the filter for the allergen Peanuts, we will see all recipes that both belong to The Messy Café AND contain peanuts. Other recipes belonging to The Messy Café but not containing peanuts, as well as other recipes containing peanuts but not belonging to The Messy Café will be hidden.
Checking the Reverse Active Filters option while using several filters will add a "NOT" to each filter's logic. That means only items that DO NOT meet each selected condition will be shown. For example, in the recipe list, if we use the filters for the outlet The Messy Café, and the filter for the allergen Peanuts, and we check the reverse option, we will see all recipes that both DO NOT belong to The Messy Café AND DO NOT contain peanuts.
Types of Filters
The Filters sidebar is present in many pages in Apicbase to help organize and view data, including predefined options and customizable fields. Below is an overview of the different filter types and their relevant characteristics.
- Fixed Filters: Filters with predefined options that cannot be modified or customized. This is the case for a big part of the available filters. It includes fields with a predetermined list of options, like Allergens or Dietary information, or the recipe Type, Season, Class, etc.
- Verification Filters: Filters that help check a particular status. For example, the filters for checking if an ingredient is Archived, Verified, or Used in a recipe, or the one to see only Stockable recipes. Some filters let you compare the current stock of an item with a reference: articles below their PAR or Minimum Stock level, or with a Negative Stock quantity. Others will show if an item has already been involved in an action, like Items with a Quantity Set in the Create order page, or items already Counted in the Count page.
- Customizable Fields: Many fields can be edited or customized, and the options you created will appear in the corresponding filters of the sidebar. This include many kinds of filters, from your Suppliers and Outlets, to the ingredients or recipes Categories and Subcategories, including the completely new custom fields you can create yourself.
- Date Filters: These filters are used to narrow down data according to specific time periods. They allow you to view information within a defined date range.