Dynamic ''as you search'' slicer

[ManchevB]

Hi all,

I am working on a report where we have our employees and their respective skills data visualized in a simple map.

I've combined 3 separate columns (skill name, skill category and skill family) into one search term table.

Now, what I would like to do is to visualize that search table into a filterthat dynamically changes the visuals depending on what I type, for example: If I start typing A - R - U .. . to give me a result for Aruba, automatically, but to also change the map visual as I type. I did my research and I can see that there are no ready-made slicer/filters in the store that allow that feature:

But still, I would really appreciate an expert oppinion on this. Unfortunatelly I don't have the ability to create a custom visual, so I would appreciate an alternative option. 

[v-kpoloju-msft]

Hi @ManchevB,

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Fabric Community Forum. Also, thanks to @danextian, @Ilgar_Zarbali,  for those inputs on this thread.

Has your issue been resolved? If the response provided by the community member @danextian, @Ilgar_Zarbali, addressed your query, could you please confirm? It helps us ensure that the solutions provided are effective and beneficial for everyone.

Hope this helps clarify things and let me know what you find after giving these steps a try happy to help you investigate this further.

Thank you for using the Microsoft Community Forum.

[danextian]

Hi @ManchevB 

If you're referring to the map visual to filtered as you type, that isn't currently possible. You must select an item first before it gets filtered.

[Ilgar_Zarbali · Accepted solution]

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.