> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.realmacsoftware.com/elements-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.realmacsoftware.com/elements-docs/using-elements/components/data-and-organisation/filter.md).

# Filter

The Filter component provides a search field that shows and hides filter-enabled components as the visitor types. It works with tags assigned to compatible components such as Container, Grid, Flex, and Accordion.

### How to Use Filter

You’ll find Filter under **Interactive** in the Components list.

1. Add the content components you want visitors to filter.
2. Add tags to each compatible component and enable its **Filter** controls.
3. Place a **Filter** component in the same parent, or give both the filter and content the same custom Group ID.
4. Edit the placeholder and style the input.
5. Preview the page and search for one of your tags.

### Component Settings

#### Settings

**Group** determines which items the search field controls:

* **Parent** — Filters compatible items inside the same parent. This is the default.
* **Custom** — Filters items that use the same custom Group ID.

**Group ID** appears when Custom is selected. The default value is `unique-group-id`; replace it with a value unique to that filter group.

#### Font and Text Styles

Set the input text colour, opacity, font, size, weight, letter spacing, line height, case, italic, and alignment. Normal and focus states can be styled independently where shown.

#### Placeholder

**Text** sets the empty-field prompt and defaults to “Filter…”.

**Color** sets the placeholder colour and defaults to Text 400.

#### Outline

The Outline group draws an outline around the search field. **Type** defaults to None: **Static** shows one outline at all times; **Focus** provides separate Unfocused and Focused states. Keep a visible Focus state for keyboard users.

### Accessibility

Use a descriptive placeholder or nearby label so visitors understand what can be searched. Do not remove the keyboard focus outline unless you replace it with an equally clear focus style.

### Troubleshooting

#### Typing does not filter anything

Confirm that each target component has filtering enabled and contains matching tags. When using Custom grouping, the Filter and every target must use exactly the same Group ID.

### Related Components

* [Filter Tags](/elements-docs/using-elements/components/data-and-organisation/filter-tags.md) — Provides selectable tag buttons instead of a text search field.
* [Container](/elements-docs/using-elements/components/layout-components/container.md) — A common wrapper for filterable content.

| Common Control                                                                                                     | Description                                                             |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| [Link](/elements-docs/using-elements/components/common-controls/link.md)                                           | Link to a page, resource, anchor, email address, or website.            |
| [Layout](/elements-docs/using-elements/components/common-controls/layout.md)                                       | Control positioning, stacking, visibility, overflow, and isolation.     |
| [Sizing](/elements-docs/using-elements/components/common-controls/sizing.md)                                       | Set width, height, and responsive size constraints.                     |
| [Spacing](/elements-docs/using-elements/components/common-controls/spacing.md)                                     | Add responsive margin and padding.                                      |
| [Typography & Text Styles](/elements-docs/using-elements/components/common-controls/typography-and-text-styles.md) | Control fonts, text spacing, decoration, colour, and semantic wrappers. |
| [Backgrounds](/elements-docs/using-elements/components/common-controls/backgrounds.md)                             | Apply colour, image, gradient, SVG, video, and hover backgrounds.       |
| [Transitions](/elements-docs/using-elements/components/common-controls/transitions.md)                             | Choose what animates and set its timing curve, duration, and delay.     |
| [Effects](/elements-docs/using-elements/components/common-controls/effects.md)                                     | Apply shadows, opacity, and hover effects.                              |
| [Filters](/elements-docs/using-elements/components/common-controls/filters.md)                                     | Apply blur, brightness, saturation, shadow, and backdrop effects.       |
| [Transforms](/elements-docs/using-elements/components/common-controls/transforms.md)                               | Scale, rotate, move, and skew components.                               |
| [Borders](/elements-docs/using-elements/components/common-controls/borders.md)                                     | Set border style, colour, opacity, width, radius, and hover states.     |
| [Advanced](/elements-docs/using-elements/components/common-controls/advanced.md)                                   | Add CSS classes and IDs, or change supported HTML tags.                 |


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