Filters are powerful, but they only work when applied correctly. This guide explains how to execute your filter selections and return to your default view when needed.
How Filter Application Works
Your Catchlight dashboard uses a two-step filter process:
Step 1: Select Your Filters
Choose your desired settings from:
Date range
Enrichment status
Event topics
Baseline comparison
Any other available filters
Important: Simply selecting a filter option does NOT update your dashboard yet.
Step 2: Apply the Filters
Click the "Apply" button to execute your selections and update all metrics, charts, and data displays.
Why this matters: This two-step process lets you configure multiple filters at once before refreshing the dashboard, preventing multiple slow page reloads.
The Apply Button
Where to Find It
The "Apply" button is typically located in the filter section, usually:
At the end of the filter row
To the left of the "Reset" button
Styled in your dashboard's primary color (often green)
Visual identifier: Button labeled "Apply" or "Update" with primary styling
When to Click Apply
Click "Apply" after:
Making any filter change:
Changing the date range
Selecting an enrichment status
Choosing an event topic
Setting a baseline comparison
Making multiple changes:
Adjust date range + enrichment status + event topic
Then click "Apply" once to execute all changes together
Modifying an existing filter:
If you change a filter you previously set, click "Apply" again to update
What Happens When You Click Apply
When you click "Apply," the dashboard:
Shows a loading state - Usually a spinning icon or "Loading..." message
Processes your filters - Queries the database for matching data
Updates all sections:
KPI cards recalculate
Charts redraw with new data
Lead counts update
Comparison indicators refresh (if baseline is set)
Returns to ready state - You can now interact with the updated dashboard
Typical load time: 1-5 seconds, depending on data volume and complexity
Exception: Instant-Apply Filters
Some filters may apply immediately without clicking "Apply":
Search Bar
Results appear as you type
No "Apply" button needed
Works independently of other filters
Date Range Quick Selects
When you click a preset like "Last 30 Days" in the date picker modal
The modal may close and apply automatically
Check your dashboard behavior to confirm
When in doubt: Click "Apply" to ensure your changes take effect!
The Reset Button
The "Reset" button clears all your filter selections and returns the dashboard to its default state.
Where to Find It
Located next to the "Apply" button in the filter section.
Visual identifier: Button labeled "Reset" or "Clear Filters," often styled in gray or secondary color
What Reset Does
Clicking "Reset" will:
Clear all filters:
Date range returns to default (often "Last 30 Days" or "All Time")
Enrichment status returns to "All Statuses"
Event topic returns to "All Events"
Baseline comparison returns to "None"
Any other filters return to default state
Reload the dashboard:
Same as clicking "Apply" after clearing filters
Shows your complete, unfiltered dataset
Clear the search bar:
Search text is removed
All leads visible again (within default filter parameters)
When to Use Reset
Scenario 1: Starting Fresh You've applied many filters and want to begin a new analysis with a clean slate.
Scenario 2: Troubleshooting Your dashboard looks empty or wrong, and you're not sure what filters are active. Reset gives you a known starting point.
Scenario 3: Quick Overview You've been drilling into specific segments and now want to see the big picture again.
Scenario 4: Sharing Your Screen You're about to show someone else the dashboard and want them to see the default, unfiltered view.
Scenario 5: Forgotten Filters You set filters yesterday, closed the browser, and returned today. The filters may still be active—reset to be sure.
Filter Workflow Best Practices
For Daily Analysis
Start with Reset - Begin with a clean slate
Set date range - Choose your analysis period
Add filters as needed - Layer on enrichment status, events, etc.
Click Apply - Load your filtered view
Analyze the data - Review KPIs and charts
Adjust filters - Refine as needed, clicking "Apply" each time
Reset before closing - Leave the dashboard clean for next time
For Campaign Planning
Reset to default
Set specific date range - Your campaign period
Filter by event or characteristic - Target audience
Apply filters
Note lead count - Know your audience size
Export or document - Save your findings
Reset - Clear for next analysis
For Troubleshooting
Click Reset - Eliminate filter variables
Verify data loads - Confirm dashboard works with default settings
Add filters one at a time - Identify which filter causes issues
Click Apply after each - Test incrementally
Understanding Filter Persistence
Do Filters Save Between Sessions?
This depends on your specific dashboard configuration:
Some dashboards:
Remember your last filter settings
When you return, filters are still active from last session
Helps maintain consistency but can be confusing
Other dashboards:
Reset to default when you log out or close the browser
Each session starts fresh
To be safe: Always check your active filters when you open the dashboard, or click "Reset" to start fresh.
Browser Bookmarks and Filters
If you bookmark a URL while filters are active:
The bookmark may save the filter parameters in the URL
Returning to that bookmark may reapply those filters automatically
Check the URL for parameters like
?dateRange=30days&status=completed
Pro tip: Bookmark commonly-used filter combinations for quick access!
Filter Application Tips
Tip 1: Multi-Filter Efficiency
Don't click "Apply" after every single filter change. Set all your filters, then click "Apply" once.
Inefficient:
Change date range → Apply → Wait
Change status → Apply → Wait
Change event → Apply → Wait
Efficient:
Change date range
Change status
Change event
Apply → Wait once
Tip 2: Verify Before Applying
Review all your filter selections before clicking "Apply" to ensure you've set everything correctly.
Check:
Date range is what you intended
Event topic is correctly selected
Baseline is set (if you want comparison)
Tip 3: Use Reset for Quick Comparison
Want to see filtered vs. unfiltered quickly?
Set your filters and Apply
Note the numbers
Click Reset
Compare the difference
Tip 4: Apply After Every Change
If you make a filter adjustment, don't forget to click "Apply" again. New filter selections don't automatically update the dashboard.
Tip 5: Watch for the Loading Indicator
After clicking "Apply," wait for the loading indicator to complete before interpreting the data. Interacting too quickly may show stale data.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake 1: Forgetting to Click Apply
Problem: You select filters but dashboard doesn't change
Solution: Always click "Apply" after selecting filters
How to avoid: Make it a habit—select, then immediately click "Apply"
Mistake 2: Not Realizing Filters Are Active
Problem: Dashboard shows fewer leads than expected, and you don't realize filters are restricting the view
Solution: Check filter selections or click "Reset"
How to avoid: Regularly scan the filter section to see what's active, especially at the start of each session
Mistake 3: Clicking Reset by Accident
Problem: You carefully set up multiple filters, then accidentally click "Reset" instead of "Apply"
Solution: Re-apply your filters (unfortunately no "undo")
How to avoid: Position your cursor carefully; "Apply" and "Reset" are often next to each other
Mistake 4: Comparing Mismatched Filters
Problem: You set filters, review data, then change just ONE filter and forget to re-apply, thinking you're seeing the new filtered data
Solution: Always click "Apply" after ANY filter change
How to avoid: Use the two-step mindset: change filters, then apply
Mistake 5: Slow Dashboard Response
Problem: Dashboard takes a long time to load after clicking "Apply"
Explanation: Complex filters or large datasets can take time to process
Solution:
Be patient and wait for loading to complete
Simplify filters if possible (e.g., shorter date ranges)
Check internet connection
How to avoid: Use specific, narrow filters when possible
Visual Indicators of Active Filters
Your dashboard may show visual cues that filters are active:
Filter badges or chips:
Small tags showing active filters (e.g., "Last 30 Days," "Completed")
Often appear above the data section
Highlighted dropdowns:
Filter dropdowns may be highlighted or colored when not set to default
Lead count indicators:
"Showing 45 of 350 leads" suggests filters are active
Filter summary text:
"Filtered by: Completed, Last 30 Days, High Net Worth"
Keyboard Shortcuts
Some dashboards support keyboard shortcuts:
Apply filters: Enter key (while focused on a filter field)
Reset filters: Escape key (check if your dashboard supports this)
Navigate filters: Tab to move between filter fields
Next Steps
Now that you understand how to apply and reset filters, explore:
Understanding Key Metrics (KPIs) - Interpret the data you're filtering
Search Functionality - Combine search with filters
Working with Charts and Visualizations - See how filters affect your charts
Prioritizing Leads - Use filters to identify your best opportunities
Golden Rule: Change filters → Click Apply → Analyze data → Repeat. When in doubt, Reset and start over!