Dynamic ''as you search'' slicer

You want a slicer in Power BI where:

• You’ve already combined skill name, category, and family into one searchable column.
• When you start typing (e.g., “ARU”), the slicer should:
  • Suggest matching values (like “Aruba”).
  • Dynamically filter visuals (like your map) as you type — without having to select from the list.

You’ve noticed Power BI’s default slicers don’t auto-filter while typing.

Solution Options:

1-Smart Narrative Slicer (Default Text Search Slicer)

• You already have a search box inside the slicer (as seen in your screenshot).
• By default, visuals only refresh after selection, not during typing.
• Unfortunately, there is no native "instant filter on type" feature yet.

 But you can turn on Single Select or Search Mode to make filtering faster once you hit Enter.

2 - Alternative Options Without Custom Visuals

• Approach A: Use a Table Visual as a Search Box
  • Place your “Combined Search Term” column into a table visual.
  • Enable the built-in search on that visual (top-right corner).
  • When typing, it instantly narrows down the list.
  • Then, use a measure with TREATAS to filter your map dynamically based on that typed search.
• Approach B: Use a Parameter Table + What-If Parameter
  • Create a disconnected search table with all terms.
  • Create a measure that dynamically filters your employee dataset via CONTAINSSTRING():
    Search Filter =
    VAR _search = SELECTEDVALUE(SearchTable[SearchTerm])
    RETURN
    IF(
    CONTAINSSTRING( MAX('Employees'[CombinedSkill]), _search),
    1,
    0
    )
  • Apply this as a visual-level filter (= 1).
    Now typing in the slicer dynamically updates visuals.
• Approach C: Power Automate for Power BI (Experimental)
  • If interactivity is critical, Power Automate buttons can be used to simulate "search-as-you-type".
  • More effort, but gives flexibility if you cannot use custom visuals.

3 - If Custom Visuals Are Allowed Later

• Visuals like Smart Filter Pro (OKViz) or Text Filter (Marketplace) allow instant search-as-you-type and update visuals live.
• These are much closer to what you’re describing.

4 - Simple Fix (No Custom Visuals)

• Stick with your combined search table.
• Use a slicer search bar but enhance with a DAX filter measure:
  Skill Match =
  VAR _search = SELECTEDVALUE(SearchTable[SearchTerm])
  RETURN
  CONTAINSSTRING( MAX('Employees'[CombinedSkill]), _search)
• Apply this as a filter to your map → visuals will update based on your typed keyword.

I hope it will help you to solve your challenge. I would be happy to get your kudos and would be great if you accept my answer as a solution.