Tables: Advanced Filters

This premium add-on for Steve’s Tables plugin enhances your data tables with powerful filtering capabilities. This guide will walk you through all the features and how to use them effectively

Getting Started

Prerequisites

• Steve’s Tables plugin must be installed and activated
• Steve Tables Advanced Filters add-on must be installed and activated
• Your table must have filterable columns configured in the table settings

Accessing Advanced Filters

Advanced filters appear automatically above your table when:

• The table is loaded with data
• Filterable columns are configured
• The add-on is active

Core Features

1. Filter Presets

Save and reuse your favorite filter combinations for quick access.

Saving a Preset

1. Apply filters to your table using the regular filter dropdowns or search
2. Click the “Save Current Filters” button above the table
3. Enter a name for your preset in the popup
4. Click “Save”

Loading a Preset

1. Click the dropdown menu next to “Load Preset…”
2. Select your saved preset from the list
3. The filters will be applied automatically

Deleting a Preset

1. Load the preset you want to delete
2. Click the “Delete Preset” button that appears
3. Confirm the deletion

2. Advanced Query Builder

Create complex filter combinations with AND/OR logic.

Building a Query

1. Click “Advanced Query” button above the table
2. The query builder panel will expand
3. Click “Add Condition” to add your first filter rule

Setting Up Conditions

For each condition, configure:

• Column: Select which column to filter (dropdown will populate automatically)
• Operator: Choose how to match the data:
  • Contains: Text appears anywhere in the cell
  • Equals: Exact match
  • Starts with: Text begins with your input
  • Ends with: Text ends with your input
  • Greater than: Numbers higher than your value
  • Less than: Numbers lower than your value
  • Between: Numbers within a range (requires two values)
• Value: Enter your search term
• Logic: Choose AND or OR to combine with other conditions

Example Query

To find people aged 25-35 who live in California or New York:

1. Add condition: Age “Greater than” 24 AND
2. Add condition: Age “Less than” 36 AND
3. Add condition: State “Equals” California OR
4. Add condition: State “Equals” New York

Applying the Query

• Click “Apply Query” to filter the table
• The table will show only rows matching your criteria
• Use “Clear Filters” to remove all filters

3. Filter History

Keep track of your recent filter combinations.

Viewing History

1. Click “Filter History” button above the table
2. A list of your recent filters will appear
3. Each entry shows the filter description and timestamp

Using History

• Click any history item to reapply those filters
• History is saved locally in your browser
• Up to 10 recent filters are stored (configurable in settings)

Advanced Usage Tips

Combining Features

You can mix and match different filtering methods:

1. Use regular dropdown filters first
2. Save as a preset for quick access
3. Build complex queries on top of presets
4. Save complex queries as new presets

Keyboard Navigation

• Use Tab to navigate between filter controls
• Press Enter or Space to activate buttons
• Press Escape to close dropdowns or modals

Exporting Filtered Data

When filters are active, export buttons appear:

• Print: Opens a printable view of filtered results
• Export CSV: Downloads filtered data as spreadsheet
• Export XLS: Downloads filtered data as Excel file

Managing Large Datasets

For tables with many rows:

• Use presets to save commonly used filters
• Build queries incrementally (add one condition at a time)
• Use the search box in combination with advanced filters

Configuration Options

Admin Settings

Access these in WordPress Admin → Steve’s Tables → Advanced Filters:

Enable/Disable Features

• Filter Presets: Allow saving and loading filter combinations
• Query Builder: Enable advanced AND/OR logic filtering
• Filter History: Keep track of recent filter usage

History Settings

• Maximum History Items: Set how many recent filters to store (1-50)

Troubleshooting

Filters Not Appearing

• Ensure both plugins are activated
• Check that your table has filterable columns configured
• Clear your browser cache and site cache
• Check browser console for JavaScript errors

Presets Not Saving

• Make sure you’re logged in to your WordPress account
• Check that presets are enabled in admin settings
• Try refreshing the page and trying again

Query Builder Not Working

• Ensure query builder is enabled in admin settings
• Check that your table has loaded data before using the builder
• Verify column names match exactly (case-sensitive)

Performance Issues

• For very large tables, use simpler filters first
• Avoid overly complex queries with many conditions
• Consider pagination if dealing with thousands of rows

Best Practices

Organization

• Use descriptive names for presets (e.g., “Q4 Sales – West Coast”)
• Group related presets by category in naming
• Regularly clean up unused presets

User Experience

• Test filters on different devices and browsers
• Consider mobile users when creating complex queries
• Provide clear instructions for users if needed

Maintenance

• Review and update presets after data changes
• Clear old history items periodically
• Backup important presets before major updates

Support

If you encounter issues:

1. Check this guide for common solutions
2. Verify plugin versions are up to date (check homepage of this site for current version numbers)
3. Test with default WordPress theme temporarily (2025 is good for this)
4. Contact support with specific error messages or steps to reproduce. Depending on your support level, I’ll either respond immediately or just flake out… Seriously though, I have to feed my family and pay the bills like everybody else. For the free downloads (no license/key), I’ll view your comments and fix any bugs you might find, but individual support is case-specific.