Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated January 4, 2020)
This tip applies to Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
One of the handy features of Excel is AutoFilter. It allows you to quickly filter any list by the contents of a particular column. You can use the Customize option from the Tools menu to add an AutoFilter tool to your toolbars. This tool uses an image of a funnel and an equal sign.
The tool is a bit deceptive, however; it is not the same as the AutoFilter option available from the Data menu. If you have a cell selected in a list and you choose the menu option, then the AutoFilter controls appear at the top of each column in the list—there are no other changes to the list. If you use the AutoFilter tool, not only do the controls appear, but Excel filters the list based on the cell you had selected when you used the tool.
Another difference between the two is that the AutoFilter menu option functions like a toggle—choose it once, and the AutoFilter is applied; choose it again and it is removed. The AutoFilter tool doesn't do that; it only applies the AutoFilter.
What if you want a toolbar option that is a real toggle, just like the menu option? There are two approaches you can use to solve this problem. The first involves the use of a simple macro:
Sub ToggleAutoFilter() On Error GoTo errMessage Selection.AutoFilter Exit Sub errMessage: MsgBox "Select a cell in the range to be filtered.", vbOKOnly End Sub
All you need to do is assign the macro to a toolbar button or to a shortcut key and you can turn AutoFilter on and off, just as if you selected the option from the menus.
The second option may be even simpler. Just follow these steps:
The result is that the menu option is now accessible from the toolbar. You can click on it to turn AutoFilter on and off, at will.
Note:
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2710) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Excel (Excel 2007 and later) here: Toggling AutoFilter.
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