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Toad for SQL Server 5.7

You are here: Manage Databases > Filter Databases and Objects

Filter Databases and Objects

Filters can reduce the number of database and/or objects you have to work with and reduce the amount of time required to query large databases. You can set the following types of filters:

Quick filter—Applies to the current schema, or objects in the current schema only. Any unnamed filter you set is in effect the next time you open Toad
Unnamed filter—Applies to the current schema, or objects in the current schema only. Any unnamed filter you set is in effect the next time you open Toad.
Named filter—Applies to any database connection. Any named filter you set is in effect the next time you open Toad.

Note: If you rename a table that has a filter defined, it results in an orphaned filter. Orphaned filters are automatically removed unless you used a tool other than Toad to remove them.

A filter is associated with a specific list of objects from a specific database. Consider the following guidelines when setting filters:

A filter defined for a set of objects such as tables on one specific database connection does not apply to a list of objects for another database connection.
A filter defined for a list of tables on one schema in the database does not apply to the list of tables for a different schema on the same database.
A filter set for a specific schema or object is applied when altering objects, using the SQL Editor, Master Detail Browser, etc., for that schema or object.

Tip: To apply any filters you set to the code completion list in the editor, select the Apply explorer filters checkbox in Tools | Options | Editor | Code Completion.

To set a quick filter

Enter text to use for filtering in the field below the database/schema name in the Object Explorer:

To set a named filter

Click beside the database or object field in the Database Explorer or Object Explorer.
Define criteria for the filter in the Properties tab.
Select the SQL tab and select the Enable custom SQL checkbox to create a custom filter based on criteria you specify.
Select the Preview tab to view a list of databases or objects that meet your filter criteria before applying the actual filter.

Enter a name for the filter if you want to use the filter for other database connections and click .

Icon	Description
	A filter has not been set so all databases/objects display.
	A filter has been set.

If you set a named filter, you can click the arrow beside the icon to apply or remove the filter:

Tips:

To export a named filter or any filters associated with the current connection, click the arrow beside the icon and select Export Filters.

To import the filters, select File | Open from the menu.
Click in the Explorer toolbar to clear all database, object, and data filters.