text search visual - changing to different fields dynamically.

[StevenT]

Good morning.
I have a page where when I choose an option from a Category Selector, it changes my matrix properly and with this i was able to reduce the pages from 7 to 1.

The text search is awesome because with so many entries, it's better to type in a keyword than run down a list in a slicer of hundreds of records.  My goal is to create one text search for all 7 below.

But the field that the text search uses needs to switch to the field that the user chooses.  Creating a measure won't work since the field requires a column. 
Is there a way to switch to differerent fields (the field listed in the NAMEOF section of the cateory here) so that a user can search on only what is found in the field, using one text search ? Anything out in the Additional visuals section?

I'm using the text search box..looking for anything that will do the trick.
Thanks!

Steve.

 

Category = {

    ("Title", NAMEOF('TrackList'[Title]), 0),

    ("Genre", NAMEOF('Genre'[Genre]), 1),

    ("Artist", NAMEOF('Artist'[Artist]), 2),

    ("Album", NAMEOF('Album'[Album]), 3),

    ("Record Label", NAMEOF('RecordLabel'[RecordLabel]), 4),

    ("Region", NAMEOF('Region'[Region]), 5),

    ("Retail Sales - Tracks", NAMEOF('PurchasedFrom'[PurchasedFrom]), 6),

    ("Retail Sales - Albums", NAMEOF('PurchasedFrom'[Purchased From]), 7)

}

[V-yubandi-msft]

Hi @StevenT ,
We wanted to follow up since we haven't received a response from you. Could you please share your research feedback and let us know if the issue was resolved? This information will be helpful for other community users as well.

[V-yubandi-msft]

Hi @StevenT ,

Could you let us know if your issue has been resolved, or if you need any additional information or clarification? We are happy to help.

Thank you.

[V-yubandi-msft]

Hi @StevenT ,

Adding to @ajaybabuinturiresponse, another helpful option is the bridge table technique. By unpivoting searchable fields into a single column in Power Query, you can set up a model where one slicer lets users pick a field, and another slicer enables keyword searching within that field. This method provides dynamic text filtering natively and avoids duplicating visuals.

Thank you @mh2587 , @ajaybabuinturi for you valuable inputs.

Regards,
Yugandhar.

[StevenT]

Thanks Very much! Still didn't resolve it but I appreciate the ideas. Maybe I just need to do some research.

[V-yubandi-msft]

Thank you for getting back to us. Once you’ve had a chance to try out @Shubham_rai955  suggestion, please let us know how it works for you. We’re available to help with any further improvements.

Regards,
Yugandhar.

[Shubham_rai955 · Accepted solution]

Power BI does not natively support switching the search field of a text search visual dynamically based on slicer or user selection, as text filter visuals require binding to a single column. However, there are workarounds and custom visual options to achieve your goal:​​

Recommended Solution: Combined Search Column

• Create a new column in your data model that concatenates all target fields (e.g., Category, Product, Customer) using DAX like SearchKey = [Field1] & " " & [Field2] & " " & [Field3].​

• Bind your text search visual (such as Text Filter or Text Slicer) to this combined column. Users can then search all target fields using a single text box.​

• This approach simplifies the interface and maintains performance for large datasets.​

Custom Visual Alternatives

• Custom visuals, such as Smart Filter by OK Viz, may support more advanced filtering (including cascading or multi-field searches).​

• Explore AppSource for visuals with flexible configuration, but most currently available require a single column for free text search.​

Why Measure Does Not Work

• Measures cannot be used, as text filter visuals require column-level binding, not measure-based dynamic values.​

Steps

• Create a search column in Power BI Desktop using DAX.

• Use the Text Filter or Text Slicer visual and bind it to the search column.​

• (Optional) Explore custom visuals for more advanced features from AppSource

[StevenT]

Thank you...this is a great idea, but wouldn't I basically have to create a key to every table in the combined fields that refers to each table?

[V-yubandi-msft]

Yes, that’s correct  you’ll need some kind of common key or relationship between the tables to bring those fields together. Usually, something like a TrackID or another unique value that links the tables will do the job.

[StevenT]

You've given me an interesting idea here.  I'm going to try it and see how things go!

[ajaybabuinturi]

Hi @StevenT,

I would like to let you know that native Power BI text search slicer is not worked based on selection. You can try below workarounds

Use Smart Filter by OKVIZ
https://appsource.microsoft.com/en-us/product/PowerBIVisuals/WA104380859 

Thanks,
If you found this solution helpful, please consider giving it a Like👍 and marking it as Accepted Solution✔. This helps improve visibility for others who may be encountering/facing same questions/issues.

[mh2587]

You can Import this custom text slicer which purley work on Keywords