Simple Button Filters That Will Make Your Looker Studio Dashboard POP!

How to Create Interactive Filters That Transform Your Reports

Dashboards shouldn’t just display information; they should invite interaction. One of the most powerful ways to enhance your Looker Studio reports is by adding visually appealing button filters that guide users through your data story while making your dashboard look professionally designed.

Let me show you how to transform basic filter controls into engaging button interfaces that will dramatically improve both the functionality and appearance of your reports.

Why Traditional Filters Fall Short

Standard dropdown filters in Looker Studio work fine functionally, but they have limitations:

• They consume valuable screen space
• They don’t visually guide users on what to filter first
• They can create a cluttered, technical appearance
• They don’t contribute to your brand aesthetic

Button filters solve these problems while adding a layer of intuitive user experience that makes your dashboards more approachable for non-technical users.

Creating Your First Button Filter

The basic concept is simple: we’ll create buttons that appear to be clickable but actually function as filter controls. Here’s how to build them:

Step 1: Start With a Shape

Begin by adding a rectangle shape to your report. This will become the visual container for your filter button.

1. Insert a shape (rectangle works best)
2. Adjust the size to fit your design needs
3. Round the corners to create a button-like appearance
4. Apply a background color that stands out against your dashboard

Step 2: Add Text and Style Your Button

Place descriptive text inside your shape to indicate what the button filters:

1. Add a text element on top of your shape
2. Center it within the shape
3. Choose a font that’s easy to read
4. Consider adding icons to enhance visual communication

Step 3: Create the Parameter Control

Now for the interactive element:

1. Create a new parameter in Looker Studio
2. Set it as a “List” type parameter
3. Define your filter options (the values users can select)
4. Place this parameter control directly over your button shape

Pro tip: Make the parameter control transparent by setting its background opacity to zero. This makes it invisible while still functioning as a clickable element.

Building a Complete Button Filter Set

For a truly professional dashboard, create a set of buttons that work together:

The “All” Button

Always include an “All” or “Overview” button that resets filters and shows the complete dataset. This gives users a clear starting point and a way to return to the full view.

Category-Specific Buttons

Create buttons for each main category or segment in your data. For example, if analyzing sales by region:

• All Regions (reset)
• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Other Markets

Style Consistency is Key

Your buttons should maintain visual consistency:

• Keep sizes uniform
• Use a cohesive color scheme (consider using your brand colors)
• Align buttons perfectly (use the alignment tools in Looker Studio)
• Use subtle hover effects if possible

Adding Interactivity Through Calculated Fields

To make your buttons truly dynamic, connect them to calculated fields:

“`

CASE

WHEN Parameter = “Option1” THEN “Specific Value”

WHEN Parameter = “Option2” THEN “Different Value”

ELSE “Default Value”

END

“`

This creates conditional logic that changes what data is displayed based on which button is selected.

Advanced Button Filter Techniques

Multi-level Filtering

Create hierarchical button sets where selecting one button reveals a second row of related sub-filters.

Visual Indicators for Active Filters

Design your buttons to change appearance when selected:

1. Create a duplicate set of buttons with a “selected” appearance
2. Use conditional visibility to show the appropriate version based on the parameter value

Button Placement Strategy

Position your buttons strategically:

• Place primary filters at the top of your dashboard
• Group related filters together
• Consider a sidebar layout for dashboards with many filter options

Benefits of Button Filters

Implementing button filters delivers multiple advantages:

• Improved user experience: Guides users through logical data exploration paths
• Cleaner interface: Reduces visual clutter compared to standard filters
• Enhanced aesthetics: Contributes to a polished, professional look
• Brand consistency: Allows incorporation of brand colors and design elements
• Reduced training needs: Makes dashboards more intuitive for non-technical users

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When creating button filters, watch out for these pitfalls:

• Overcrowding: Too many buttons creates confusion
• Poor contrast: Ensure text is readable against button backgrounds
• Inconsistent design: Maintain visual harmony across all buttons
• Missing reset option: Always include a way to return to the full dataset view
• Unclear labeling: Use concise, descriptive text that clearly indicates function

Final Thoughts

Button filters represent the perfect intersection of functionality and design in Looker Studio. They transform standard reports into interactive data experiences that users enjoy engaging with while simultaneously elevating the visual appeal of your dashboards.

By implementing these techniques, you’ll create reports that not only display data effectively but also provide an intuitive interface that encourages exploration and discovery, all while making your dashboards visually pop.