In Power BI, a slicer is a visual on the report canvas that readers click to filter the page, while a filter lives in the Filters pane and can apply to one visual, one page, or the whole report. Both filter the same data. The difference is where they sit, who uses them, and how much control you get.
When I build a sales report for Contoso, I use slicers for the two or three choices readers make all the time, such as Year and Region, and filters for everything else. Below, I’ll show both in the same report, compare them side by side, and explain when each is the better choice.
Quick answer: Use a slicer for frequent, visible choices that readers should see and click on the page, such as year or region. Use a filter in the Filters pane for rules that apply to a visual, a page or all pages, for advanced conditions such as Top N, or for filters you want to hide or lock.
What are filters in Power BI?
Filters live in the Filters pane, next to the Visualizations pane. When you select a visual, the pane shows three levels: Filters on this visual, Filters on this page and Filters on all pages. Drag a field into the level you need. For a full walkthrough, see how to add filters at visual, page and report level.
Each filter card has a Filter type. Basic filtering lets you check values, Advanced filtering lets you build conditions such as contains or is greater than, and Top N keeps only the top or bottom items by a measure. Dates also get relative date filters, such as the last 30 days.
As an author, you can lock a filter so readers can’t change it, or hide it so they don’t see it. Readers can change the visible ones, and their choices are saved for them only. Reset to default brings back the state you published. More on dates in how to filter dates in Power BI.
What are slicers in Power BI?
A slicer is a visual you place on the page. In my report, selecting East in the Region slicer filters every visual on the page. Current slicer visuals include the standard Slicer (list, tile, dropdown or date range), the Button slicer, the List slicer and the Input slicer. For setup and formatting, see Power BI slicers types and configuration.
Slicers filter the whole page by default. To stop a slicer from affecting a specific chart, select the slicer, go to Format > Edit interactions, and choose None on that chart. See how to edit visual interactions in Power BI.
Filter vs slicer: side-by-side comparison
| Slicer | Filter (Filters pane) | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it lives | On the report canvas | In the Filters pane |
| Visibility | Always visible | Hidden until the pane is opened |
| Who it’s for | Report readers, frequent choices | Authors, rules and complex conditions |
| Scope | The page, or other pages with Sync slicers | One visual, one page or all pages |
| Filter types | Pick values, ranges, search, typed input | Basic, Advanced, Top N, relative date |
| Lock or hide | No (you can hide the visual) | Yes, per filter |
| Takes canvas space | Yes | No |
| Publish to web | Works | The Filters pane isn’t shown |
To keep the same slicer selection across pages, use View > Sync slicers. Here’s how to sync slicers across multiple pages.
Performance: Apply all slicers and Query reduction
Every slicer change sends new queries for each visual on the page. With several slicers, readers wait after every click. Microsoft’s answer is the Apply all slicers button: readers make all their choices first, then apply them at once. Add it from Insert > Buttons, next to Clear all slicers.
Those buttons don’t control the Filters pane. For filters, turn on File > Options and settings > Options > Query reduction > Add a single Apply button to the filter pane. Top N filters and fewer visuals per page also keep reports fast.
When to use each
- Use a slicer when readers change the selection often and should see it on the page: year, region, product category.
- Use a page or report filter for rules that should always apply, such as excluding test data or showing only the current year.
- Use a visual filter when one chart needs different data from the rest, for example a Top 10 products chart.
- Use both: slicers for the main choices and the Filters pane for everything else keeps the canvas clean.
Need a slicer that starts on a specific value? See how to set a default value in a Power BI slicer.
More on slicers and filters in Power BI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a filter and a slicer in Power BI?
A slicer is a visible, clickable visual on the canvas; a filter lives in the Filters pane and can target a visual, a page or all pages. Microsoft compares them in its slicers documentation.
Are filters faster than slicers in Power BI?
Both send queries when they change. Use the Apply all slicers button for slicers and the Query reduction Apply button for the Filters pane to cut down on queries.
Can a slicer filter multiple pages?
Yes. Use View > Sync slicers to sync the selection, and choose on which pages the slicer is visible.
Can readers change filters in the Power BI Service?
Yes, unless you lock or hide them. Their changes are saved for them only, and Reset to default restores your published state.
What filter types does the Filters pane support?
Basic filtering, Advanced filtering and Top N, plus relative date and relative time filters for date fields.
I have worked with Microsoft technologies for more than 18 years, including SharePoint, Microsoft 365 and the Power Platform (Power Apps, Power Automate and Power BI), at companies like HP, TCS and KPIT. I started EnjoySharePoint in 2011 to share the solutions I build in real projects with readers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. Microsoft has recognized this work with the Microsoft MVP award 13 times since 2014.
Slicer and page level filter works same ….both filters data on selected page . then what is the main difference between slicer and page level filter? When we use slicer and when we use page level filter? I’m new to power bi….please clarify my query