How do I create a filter view?

Click a cell in your data, then choose Data > Filter views > Create new filter view (older menus say Data > Create filter view). Set filters and sorts, then name it.

Can viewers use filter views?

Yes. People who can only view the sheet can create temporary filter views that are not saved for others.

Why did my filter hide rows for my coworker?

You used a normal filter, which applies to everyone. Turn it off and use a filter view instead.

What is a filter view in Google Sheets?

Google Workspace glossary Google Workspace courses

Quick answer

A filter view is a saved set of sort and filter settings in Google Sheets that changes only what you see. Several people can each use a different filter view on the same shared sheet at the same time, and each view can be named and shared as a link.

Last updated October 22, 2026

Updated October 22, 2026 · By Robert Breen

Why it matters

A normal filter changes the sheet for everyone. When one crew lead filters to "Crew A", everyone else suddenly sees only Crew A’s jobs and assumes rows are missing. Filter views solve this: each person gets their own lens on the same data.

Named filter views also act as saved reports. "Open jobs, this week" or "Invoices over 30 days" can be opened in one click instead of being rebuilt every time.

A worked example

A home-care agency schedules 85 visits a week in one shared Sheet. Each of the four coordinators creates a filter view showing only their caregivers, sorted by date. They all work in the sheet at the same time without disturbing each other.

The owner adds a named filter view, "Unconfirmed, next 48 hours", and bookmarks its link. Every morning she opens it, sees the 6 visits still unconfirmed and calls the families, with no setup.

Often confused with

Filter view vs filter

A filter changes the view for everyone who has the sheet open. A filter view changes it only for you, unless you share the view’s link.

Filter view vs sorting the sheet

Sorting the range rearranges the actual rows for everyone. Sorting inside a filter view leaves the sheet as it is.

Filter view vs a BI dashboard filter

A dashboard filter in a BI tool works on charts built from the data. A filter view works on the rows of the sheet itself.

Tips

Name each view for what it shows ("Crew A, open jobs").
Share a filter view by copying the browser link while it is open.
People with view-only access can still make temporary filter views for themselves.

Data validation (drop-down lists)Freeze rows and columns SUMIF Sharing permissions (Viewer, Commenter, Editor)

Learn it in a free lesson

Google Sheets Tutorial: Build a Job Tracker That Totals Itself (about 15 minutes)

Sources

Written from these official help pages. Menus change, so if a button has moved, the help page has the current wording.

Google Docs Editors Help: Sort and filter your data

Frequently asked questions

How do I create a filter view?: Click a cell in your data, then choose Data > Filter views > Create new filter view (older menus say Data > Create filter view). Set filters and sorts, then name it.
Can viewers use filter views?: Yes. People who can only view the sheet can create temporary filter views that are not saved for others.
Why did my filter hide rows for my coworker?: You used a normal filter, which applies to everyone. Turn it off and use a filter view instead.

All google workspace terms, A to Z · Free google workspace lessons