What are filters used for in Tableau?

Filters in Tableau are essential tools used to limit the data displayed in a visualization based on specific criteria set by the user. By applying filters, users can focus on relevant subsets of data, which can help in analyzing trends, patterns, or any insights more effectively without being overwhelmed by extraneous information.

For instance, if you have a large dataset of sales information across multiple regions, you can apply a filter to show only the sales data for a particular region. This allows for a more streamlined analysis and clearer visuals that highlight the most pertinent information according to the requirements of the analysis.

While filters do not directly increase data granularity, enhance visualization quality, or combine multiple data sources, they play a crucial role in ensuring that the data presented is aligned with the analytical needs of the user. This makes them a fundamental feature for driving focused and meaningful insights in Tableau.