---
sourceDocument: Xanadu Platform Analytics
sourceDocumentLink: https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/r/xanadu/now-intelligence

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    - xanadu

ft:locale :

    - en-US

ft:publication_title :

    - Xanadu Platform Analytics

ft:clusterId :

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workflow :

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---

# Set a filter to follow another filter in a many-to-many relationship

# Set a filter to follow another filter in a many-to-many relationship {#ariaid-title1}

* Release version: Xanadu
* 
* Updated August 1, 2024
* 
* ![](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/portal-asset/ico-clock) 2 minutes to read

In some cases, values on a pair of filters can refer to multiple values on each other. For one such filter to follow another, it must go through a connecting table.

## Before you begin

Role required: admin

## About this task

In most cases, a filter follows another filter either in a one-to-one relationship or in a one-to-many relationship. In the latter case, the filter source is a reference field. Anyone who can edit a dashboard can set up one
such filter to follow another on that dashboard, in a direct connection. Users with the analytics_filter_admin role can also create such filters in the filter library. For more information, see the example in [Configure a Single/Multiple select or cascading filter](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/yVymizSPEvjsu60p3X9Lhg "Let users filter a dashboard tab on one or more values from a set of choices, such as incident priority. You can have a single or multiple select filter follow another filter in a cascade.").

If the values on each filter can refer to multiple values on the other filter (a many-to-many relationship), you have to select a connecting table. This connecting table has a unique record for every possible reference
between the two filters. The connecting tables between two tables are defined in the Collection
\[sys_collection\] and Many to Many Definition \[sys_m2m\] tables. Only
administrators can access these tables.

Connection tables come predefined for any relevant tables included in the base system or in Platform Analytics Solutions. However, if you want to use a custom table in a many-to-many relationship, you must define that relationship in the Many to Many Definition table. For more information, see [Create a many-to-many table relationship](https://www.servicenow.com/docs/access?context=t_CreateAManyToManyRelationship&version=xanadu&pubname=xanadu-platform-administration&ft:locale=en-US).

## Procedure

1. Add at least two single or multiple select filters to the relevant dashboard.  
   For more information about adding filters to a dashboard, see [Create or add a filter on an inline dashboard](https://servicenow-prod.fluidtopics.net/0thTiNrf5lrX6UD~pTwNtA "Create a filter or select one from the filter library. When creating a filter, name it, and choose whether to create a single select, multiple select, date, or true/false filter.").
2. Put the dashboard in Edit mode.
3. Open the configuration menu for the filter that you want to follow the other filter.  
   If the filter can follow any other filters on the dashboard in a many-to-many relationship, these filters are listed under Filters with table connection in the Other filters to follow section.  

4. Turn following on for the filters that you want this filter to follow.
5. If no connecting table has been selected for that filter, a dialog opens to select the connecting table.  
   The Table icon by the toggle is grayed out when no connecting table has been selected yet.  

   After you set the connecting table, you can select the table icon to change it.  
   If you have the choice between more than one connecting table, the names of the connecting tables should suggest which one to select. For example, Excluded Users \[sys_user_license_exclude\] filters on users who don't have a subscription whereas User Subscription \[sys_user_has_license\] filters on users who do.  

6. Save the dashboard and exit editing mode.