Filter Bar

Where to use it

Place it directly above the data region it controls—usually above a table, chart group or results list.

When to use it

Use it when a small set of high-frequency filters should remain visible near the data they control.

When not to use it

Avoid exposing every possible filter in the primary toolbar.

Behavior and rules

Changes should either apply immediately or use one clear Apply action; do not mix both models in the same bar.

Anatomy

Visible filter controls

The few filters used in almost every session, shown directly so they take one click.

Filter selector

Opens the list of values for one filter. Its label must name the filter, not just the current value.

Active filters

Chips that show what is currently applied, each removable, so the scope of the data is never hidden.

Clear action

Resets everything in one step. Appears only when at least one filter is active.

All lessons

1. Bar Chart — Compares values across categories using length on a common scale.
2. Line Chart — Shows change across an ordered sequence, most often time.
3. Area Chart — Emphasizes magnitude over an ordered sequence by filling the area under a line.
4. Pie / Donut Chart — Shows a small number of parts that make up one meaningful whole.
5. Scatter Plot — Reveals relationships, clusters and outliers between two numeric variables.
6. Histogram — Shows the distribution of a numeric variable across value ranges.
7. Box Plot — Summarizes distribution, median, spread and potential outliers compactly.
8. Heatmap — Uses color intensity across a matrix to reveal patterns and concentration.
9. Treemap — Shows hierarchical part-to-whole relationships through nested rectangles.
10. Funnel Chart — Shows how a population changes through ordered stages of a process.
11. Waterfall Chart — Explains how positive and negative contributions produce a final total.
12. Sparkline — Shows a compact trend without the full framing of a standard chart.
13. Gauge — Shows one value within a bounded range when position against a threshold matters.
14. Combo Chart — Combines compatible visual marks when two related measures need coordinated comparison.
15. Geographic Data Map — Maps values to locations or regions when geography is part of the question.
16. KPI / Stat Card — Presents one important metric with enough context to judge its current value and change.
17. Data Table — Presents structured records in rows and columns, with table-level search, filtering, sorting, selection and pagination treated as parts of the whole component.
18. Dashboard Card / Panel — Groups one coherent dashboard task, metric or visualization into a bounded region with clear hierarchy.
19. Filter Bar — Places the most important scope controls close to the data they affect.
20. Filter Panel — Collects a larger set of filtering controls in a dedicated surface.
21. Date Picker / Date Range Picker — Lets users choose one date or a bounded time range for reports, filters and analytics.
22. Sidebar Navigation — Provides persistent access to major dashboard destinations and groups.
23. Top App Bar — Holds page identity, global actions and high-priority controls at the top of an application.
24. Breadcrumbs — Shows hierarchy and provides a path back through nested dashboard levels.
25. Tabs — Switches between peer views inside the same dashboard context.
26. Alert / Banner — Communicates important contextual or page-wide information that should remain visible until understood or resolved.
27. Toast — Confirms a brief asynchronous outcome without blocking the current task.
28. Notification Center — Collects system and workflow updates that users may need to revisit.
29. Dropdown / Overflow Menu — Moves lower-priority or contextual actions into an on-demand menu.
30. Modal / Dialog — Creates a focused temporary task that may block interaction with the underlying dashboard.
31. Drawer / Side Panel — Opens contextual controls or details from an edge while preserving the page behind it.