#PowerPlatformTip 23: 'Filter Blank'

TL;DR: Add

IsBlank(YourFilterInput) to a gallery’s Filter so it shows every item when the search box is empty.

💡 Challenge

Filtering galleries in PowerApps based on user input (like text input, dropdown, or combo box) is common, but when the input is empty you usually want to show all items.

✅ Solution

Add an || IsBlank(YourFilterInput) condition to your filter formula.

🔧 How It’s Done

1. Create a gallery and set up your filter inputs (e.g., text input, dropdown, combo box).

2. Apply the following formula to your gallery’s Items property:

   Filter(YourDataSource, Condition || IsBlank(YourFilterInput))
   

   🔸 YourDataSource is the source of your data.

   🔸 Condition is your filtering condition (e.g., TextInput.Text = ThisItem.Field).

   🔸 YourFilterInput is the input control (e.g., TextInput, Dropdown).

🎉 Result

When the filter input is empty, the gallery shows all items. If the input is provided, the gallery filters based on the specified condition.

🌟 Key Advantages

🔸 Simplifies gallery filtering logic.

🔸 Enhances user experience by dynamically displaying all or filtered data.

🔸 Reduces the need for multiple filtering conditions.

🔗 Related Tips

🔸 #PowerPlatformTip 33: ‘Coalesce’ - replace nested If(IsBlank()) checks elsewhere in the same app with one function.

🔸 #PowerPlatformTip 38: ‘Data Refresh’ - keep this gallery’s data fresh without reloading everything on every keystroke.

🎥 Video Tutorial

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🛠️ FAQ

1. Can I use multiple filter conditions with the IsBlank() check?

Yes, you can combine multiple conditions using && or

operators while still including the IsBlank() check for each filter input.

2. Does this technique work with all data sources in PowerApps?

Yes, this filtering approach works with SharePoint lists, Dataverse tables, SQL databases, and other supported data sources.

3. How can I handle multiple filter inputs simultaneously?

Create compound conditions like: Filter(DataSource, (Condition1 || IsBlank(Input1)) && (Condition2 || IsBlank(Input2))).

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