> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://wiki.distribution-os.ch/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Find and filter records in any table

> Search a DOS table, add filters, sort, group, save a view and open a record in its side panel. The same controls work on Bookings, Invoices, Films and more.

Most pages in DOS are tables with the same toolbar above them. Use it to find a record, narrow the list, and keep a layout you like as a view.

## Before you start

* Any signed-in user can search, filter, sort and group. Saving views and choosing columns are for administrators.

## Search

**1. Click the search box**

Select the box with the magnifier icon, or press `/` or `Ctrl+F` (`Cmd+F` on a Mac) to jump to it.

**2. Type what you remember**

The list narrows as you type.

Search follows one rule on every table:

* Accents and capital letters do not matter. `zurich` finds "Zürich".
* Every word you type must appear somewhere in the row. The words can be in different columns, and their order does not matter.
* Swiss place names work in all languages. A place typed in one language also finds it in the others, for example "Genf" finds "Genève".
* Only the first 8 words count.

> [!TIP]
>
> Type a cinema name and a film title together, such as `bern film a`, to find the matching row without filtering.

## Filter

**1. Open Filter**

Select **Filter** in the toolbar. A number on the button shows how many filters are active.

**2. Add a condition**

Select **Add filter**. Pick a column, then a condition, then a value. The first condition reads **Where**, the next ones **and**.

**3. Remove conditions**

Select the remove icon on one condition, or **Clear all**.

The conditions depend on the type of column:

| Column type | Conditions |
| - | - |
| Text | **contains**, **does not contain**, **is**, **is not**, **is empty**, **is not empty** |
| Choice (such as a status) | **is**, **is not**, **is empty**, **is not empty** |
| Number | `=`, `≠`, `>`, `<`, **is empty**, **is not empty** |
| Date | **on**, **before**, **after**, **is empty**, **is not empty** |
| Yes or no | **is yes**, **is no** |

For text columns, DOS offers the existing values as you type. You can still type a value that is not in the list.

## Sort, group and row height

* **Sort** sorts by one or more columns, ascending or descending.
* **Group** groups rows by a column, and a second level after **then**. While a table is grouped, sorting is locked ("Ungroup to change sorting").
* **Rows** sets the row height: **Comfortable**, **Medium** or **Compact**.

## Views and columns

A view remembers your filters, sorting, grouping, row height and columns.

**1. Pick a view**

Open the view menu (it shows the current view name). Built-in views are marked **built-in**. A small dot beside the name means you changed the layout and have not saved it.

**2. Save your layout (administrators)**

Select **Save current as new view** and give it a name. For a saved view you changed, select **Update** with its name. Hover a view to set it as default, rename it or delete it.

**3. Choose columns (administrators)**

Select **Columns** to show, hide and drag columns into a new order. Select **Save layout**, or **Reset** to go back. Columns marked **locked** always stay.

If you cannot see **Columns** or the save options, your role does not allow them.

## Open a record

Select a row to open the record in a side panel without leaving the table. Close the panel to return to the list.

On tables that allow it, a checkbox appears on each row. Tick several rows to change them together: see [Edit many records at once](https://wiki.distribution-os.ch/get-started/edit-many-records.md).

## Page through long lists

Long lists show **Page 1 of N** at the bottom with first, previous, next and last page buttons. A new search starts again from page 1.

## Collapse the toolbar

Use the arrow at the end of the toolbar (**Collapse table controls** or **Show table controls**) to hide the controls and gain room. DOS remembers your choice for each table on this device. On narrow screens the controls fold into one menu.

## If something looks wrong

> [accordion] The list is empty after I typed something
>
> The empty list shows "No matches" with "Adjust the search, filters, or view." Clear the search, select **Clear all** in **Filter**, and check the active view.

> [accordion] I cannot change the sorting
>
> The table is grouped. Remove the grouping under **Group** first.

> [accordion] My layout is gone when I come back
>
> Only saved views are kept. If the view name shows a dot, the layout is not saved. Ask an administrator to save it as a view.

> [accordion] The filter list says it could not load values
>
> The message is "Could not load values. Retry". Select **Retry**, or type the value yourself.

## Related

* [Edit many records at once](https://wiki.distribution-os.ch/get-started/edit-many-records.md)
* [See who else is working](https://wiki.distribution-os.ch/get-started/live-updates.md)


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