Cross filtering is a visual interaction where selecting data in one Power BI visual filters the data shown in another visual.
Cross filter
Cross filtering is a Power BI interaction where selecting data in one visual filters the data shown in another visual.
Quick facts about cross filtering
Visual interaction
Cross filtering happens when one visual affects what appears in another visual on the same report page.
Removes unrelated data
When a user selects a category, other visuals can update to show only the data connected to that selection.
Helps users explore
Cross filtering makes reports more interactive by letting users investigate relationships between different visuals.
Different from highlighting
Cross filtering removes unrelated data from another visual, while highlighting usually keeps all data visible but emphasizes the selected part.
How cross filtering works
Cross filtering helps users explore a report without changing the report structure. When someone selects a value in one visual, Power BI can use that selection to filter other visuals on the page. This makes it easier to focus on one segment, category or group at a time. Common examples of cross filtering include:
- Selecting a product category to filter sales trends.
- Selecting a region to filter customer activity.
- Selecting a department to filter cost data.
- Selecting a campaign type to filter conversion results.
Cross filtering is useful because it lets users move from overview to detail inside the same report page. Instead of opening a separate report or applying manual filters, the user can interact directly with the visuals and see the related data update.
Why cross filtering matters in shared reports
Cross filtering can make Power BI reports easier to use because it turns static visuals into an interactive analysis experience. A user can select one part of a chart and immediately see how the rest of the report changes. This is especially useful when reports include several related metrics, such as sales, margin, customer activity or operational performance.
When reports are shared with a wider audience, cross filtering also needs to be easy to understand. Internal analysts may know how visual interactions work, but customers, partners or occasional report viewers may need a cleaner reporting experience with clear labels, useful layouts and controlled access to the right data.
Skald BI helps organizations share existing Power BI reports through a secure branded portal. When those reports include interactive features such as cross filtering, Skald BI supports the delivery experience around them, giving customers, partners and internal teams a clearer way to access and explore the reports meant for them.
Use cases
See how different types of organisations use Skald BI to share Power BI securely with employees, customers and partners.
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Frequently asked questions
What is cross filtering in Power BI?
What is an example of cross filtering?
If a user selects one product category in a chart, another visual on the same page can update to show only data for that selected category.
Is cross filtering the same as filtering?
Cross filtering is a type of filtering driven by visual interaction. Instead of applying a filter from a filter pane or slicer, the user selects part of a visual and other visuals respond.
What is the difference between cross filtering and cross highlighting?
Cross filtering removes unrelated data from another visual. Cross highlighting usually keeps the full visual visible but highlights the part connected to the selected value.
How does cross filtering relate to Skald BI?