Many times authors will want to
allow a user to filter out values in a given column, but they do not want to
expose the Filter Panel, as it can add confusion and complexity for a consumer.
The workaround has been to use a Property Control to provide this capability
from within a Text Area. This solution had a series of unwanted side effects if
it was not setup properly.
In 4.0, we now have the ability to
embed a Filter for a specific Column directly into a Text Area. This also allows authors to make efficient use
of space and hide the Filter Panel. In addition, all the controls for a
consumer are located in the same place, making it easier for them to control
the dashboard.
To add a Filter to the Text Area, select
the new ‘Filter Control’ icon from the edit Ribbon inside a Text Area.
You are then presented with a
dialog box which allows you to specify which filtering scheme to use and then
which filter you wish to add to the Text Area.
Once you do that, the Filter
Control will show up in the Text Area.
While in Edit mode for the Text
Area you can move the Filter around. You
cannot alter the Filter Text (ie. List Box, Radio Button, Checkbox, etc…)
however.
The Filter is a copy of the Filter
instance from the Panel, so if you want to update the Filter Type, you need to
do it from within the Filter Panel inside Spotfire Professional. That will then
automatically update the Filter Type from within the Text Area.
The use of the Filter should be
identical to the Filter in the Filter Panel, with a few minor exceptions. When
dragging a range slider in the Filter Panel, the visualizations are updated
immediately while the dragging is still going on. The Text Area version will
only update the visualizations when the dragging is finished.
Interested in learning more about the new features of TIBCO Spotfire for version 4.0? If so, attend our live training webinar on February 29th. Click here for details.
