How to Add a Slicer-Style Search Filter in Microsoft Project
Question details
The user is looking for a way to add an Excel-style dynamic slicer to filter results as they type in Microsoft Project, or a keyboard shortcut for the custom 'Contains' filter command.
- Product
- Microsoft Project
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Filtering large project schedules dynamically based on specific text.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Project does not support Excel-style dynamic slicers, nor does it provide a native keyboard shortcut for the custom 'Contains' filter command.
Since Microsoft Project does not natively support dynamic slicers or shortcuts for custom filters, prepare to use alternative built-in filtering methods or consider exporting your data to a spreadsheet program for advanced visual filtering.
Use the Built-in Custom AutoFilter
While it does not filter dynamically as you type, using the AutoFilter dropdown is the closest native alternative for a 'Contains' search.
Microsoft Project allows you to apply custom filters directly from the column headers. Although it requires a few clicks, it effectively filters tasks based on partial text matches.
Go to the column heading you want to filter (e.g., Task Name) in your active Gantt Chart view.
Click the small dropdown arrow next to the column name to open the sorting and filtering menu.
Hover over 'Filters' in the dropdown menu, and then click on 'Custom...' at the bottom of the list.
In the Custom AutoFilter dialog box, select 'contains' from the first drop-down list.
Type your search keyword in the adjacent text box and click 'OK' to apply the filter to your project tasks.
Export Project Data to a Spreadsheet
To get true dynamic slicer functionality, you can export your project schedule to a spreadsheet tool that natively supports slicers.
Use WPS Spreadsheet for Dynamic Project Filtering
Since Microsoft Project lacks dynamic slicers, exporting your project data to a spreadsheet is a highly practical workaround. WPS Spreadsheet offers a robust, free alternative to Microsoft Excel with full support for tables, custom filters, and visual slicers to manage your exported project tasks effortlessly.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Get the free WPS Office suite from the official website and install it on your computer.
- 2. Open Exported Project Data: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open the .xlsx file you exported from Microsoft Project.
- 3. Apply Slicers: Convert your task data into a table, navigate to the Insert tab, and select Slicer to begin dynamically filtering your project data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use VBA macros to create a dynamic search bar in MS Project?
Yes, advanced users can write a VBA macro to create a custom UserForm with a text box. You can program the text box to trigger a filter refresh upon keypress, effectively simulating a dynamic search bar, though this requires coding knowledge.
Will Microsoft add slicers to Project in the future?
Microsoft has not announced plans to add native slicers to the Project desktop client. They currently focus visual reporting and dynamic filtering updates on integrations with Power BI and Project for the Web.
Is there any way to create a keyboard shortcut for a specific filter?
While there is no built-in shortcut for the general 'Contains' command, you can record a macro that applies a specific filter and then assign a custom keyboard shortcut to that macro for quick access.
