How to Use the Variable Filter Library in VDM

The Variable Filter Library allows users to save and reuse commonly used variable filters when building Views. Saved filters can be organized into categories and subcategories and added directly to other Views, reducing repeated setup and helping maintain consistent filtering.

Accessing the Variable Filter Library

1. Open or create a View in VDM.
2. Select Parameters.
3. Select the Variable Filters tab.

The Variable Filter Library appears in the lower-left section of the Parameters screen.

Creating a Variable Filter

1. Select the Variable Filters tab.
2. Click the plus (+) icon under Properties.
3. Enter a Name for the filter.
4. Enter the filter query in the Statement field.

Saving a Variable Filter to the Library

After configuring the variable filter:

1. Right-click the filter in the Properties list.
2. Select Save to Library.
3. Select an available category from the Category list.
4. Click Save.

The filter appears under the selected category in the Variable Filter Library.

Creating Categories and Subcategories

Categories and subcategories can be used to organize the filters stored in the library.

Create a Category

1. Right-click an empty area within the Variable Filter Library.
2. Select Add Category.
3. Enter a name for the category.

Create a Subcategory

1. Right-click the category where the subcategory should be created.
2. Select Add Subcategory.
3. Enter a name for the subcategory.

Right-clicking a category also provides options to rename or remove the category.

Creating a Variable Filter Directly in the Library

A variable filter can be created directly within a category or subcategory.

1. Right-click the category or subcategory where the filter should be stored.
2. Select New Variable Filter.
3. Enter a name for the new filter.
4. Confirm the name to add the filter to the selected category.
5. Select the new filter and configure its statement.

The filter remains in the library until it is added to a View.

Adding or Updating a Filter in the Current View

To use a saved filter in the current View:

1. Locate the filter in the Variable Filter Library.
2. Right-click the filter.
3. Select Add/Update Current View Variable Filter.

If a variable filter with the same name already exists in the View, it is overwritten with the version stored in the library. If the filter does not already exist, it is added to the View as a new variable filter.

Important: Verify the filter name and configuration before updating the current View because an existing filter with the same name will be overwritten.

Removing a Filter from the Library

To remove a saved filter:

1. Right-click the filter in the Variable Filter Library.
2. Select Remove from Library.
3. Confirm the removal if prompted.

Removing a filter from the library does not remove copies that have already been added to a View.