[Solved] Unable to remove AutoFilter

[Andy_I]

Good afternoon

I am using the spreadsheet as a database; columns of names, dates, locations, etc. When I want to show only all examples of a specific name in a column, I go to Data, Filter, Autofilter and dropdown arrows with menus listing all the different names in that column appear at the top of each column. So far, so good. However, I seem to have dropdown arrows appearing in places where they should not be, in various places within the sheet and if I try to select "Remove filter", to start over again, it is always greyed out. I realise the random arrows appear because I am clicking in cells erroneously, when I shouldn't, so please don't tell me off about that but could someone advise me how to take back control of the Filter function, in particular, how to remove the filter entirely, so ALL the dropdown arrows disappear!?

Thanks

Andy_I

[RusselB]

If you notice the problem quickly enough, you can use Ctrl+z (Undo) to undo the last step(s) up to the number of steps specified in your configuration file.
Personally I hate the Autofilter as it can cause a lot of problems and isn't as flexible as the Standard Filter.
Getting back to your actual problem, if the Undo doesn't work, then you could try saving your document, closing OpenOffice, then reopen the saved document.

[Villeroy]

Select the list including a single row of column labels.
menu:Data>Define...
Give a name to the selected range. Because that name can be used in formulas, it is restricted to alpha-numeric characters and underscore.
Under "More Options" choose "Contains column labels"
Click [Add]
Remove any overlapping data ranges.
Click [OK]
Now the autofilter should work better.

I am using the spreadsheet as a database;

This is the root of most problems people have with spreadsheets. With a spreadsheet you have a quick and dirty solution that keeps you busy for the entire period of use. With a database and input forms you need a lot more time to setup but then it works for many years without modification.
Just have a look at this guy: viewtopic.php?f=13&t=104042&p=503812#p504138. He created a form in 2005 with some limit that a date value can not be later than 2020-12-31 and then he used the form 15 years long and forgot how to edit the form design.

[KeithWR14]

I am still unable to remove filter from my Apache open office spreadsheet I have made sure the range is okay by showing all rows and all columns and the filter is set to ALL. I tried clicking on the cell with the arrow (the head of column) and

Screenshot 2025-01-16 at 14.03.29.jpg (30.84 KiB) Viewed 4797 times

Screenshot 2025-01-16 at 14.03.29.jpg (30.84 KiB) Viewed 4797 times

remove filter and hide filter remain greyed out . I tried clicking on the cell below, the same result I do not know the difference between hiding a filter and removing it but presumably a hidden filter stilll operates.

[MrProgrammer]

I am still unable to remove filter from my Apache open office spreadsheet I have made sure the range is okay by showing all rows and all columns and the filter is set to ALL.

I find that I never have trouble with removing filters when I always use Data → Define Range before applying the filter. If you need additional assistance, open your own topic. This one belongs to Andy_I, and it is marked as solved. Phillip has helpful advice in his last post in the following topic.
[Solved] AutoFilter dropdowns back after they are removed

Be sure to attach a spreadsheet demonstrating the difficulty (remove confidential information then use Post Reply, not Quick Reply, and don't attach a picture instead of the spreadsheet itself). Your pictures above can't be used to diagnose your problem because they don't have details about how your spreadsheet is organized. I will not help further unless you attach a spreadsheet document in your new topic.