How to add a default filter to the list view

[Elvin_Salim]

Is there a way to add a default filter to the red-marked area for any field for users? The filter should be there as a default value and can also be removed by the user.

[Dr Atul G- LNG · Accepted solution]

Hi @Elvin_Salim 

https://www.servicenow.com/community/itsm-forum/want-to-apply-a-removable-filter-on-the-sys-popup-vi...

[Ankur Bawiskar · Accepted solution]

@Elvin_Salim 

The max you can do is -> you can add reference qualifier to that reference field and it will show only those filtered records

but if you apply the reference qualifier then users cannot remove and they won't see ALL records

It's OOTB platform behavior.

If my response helped please mark it correct and close the thread so that it benefits future readers.

[Elvin_Salim]

Hi @Ehab Pilloor,

It applies to the table itself, not to the reference field's lookup window.

BR,

Elvin

[BreezyM]

Adding a default filter to a list view is a great way to streamline user experience by showing only the most relevant data upfront. The exact method depends on the platform you're using, but here are some general approaches:

For SharePoint / Microsoft Lists:
Open the list → Click ‘All Items’ → Choose ‘Edit current view’

In the filter section, define your default filter condition (e.g., Status = Active)

Save the view as default, so all users see the filtered list by default

For Power Apps (Gallery/List):
Set the Items property of the gallery to something like:

powerapps
Copy
Edit
Filter(YourDataSource, Status = "Active")
This acts as a default filter when the screen loads

For Salesforce List Views:
Go to the object tab → Click the gear icon → Select 'New View'

Set filter criteria and make sure to select “Set as default view”

For custom apps (React, Angular, etc.):
Apply default filter logic inside your data-fetching method or useEffect() so the UI loads pre-filtered results.

Bonus Tip: Always allow users to remove or change filters easily—defaults should guide, not limit.

Let me know what platform you’re using so I can give a more specific solution!

[Elvin_Salim]

I believe there is no suitable solution regarding this SN article:

How to show breadcrumb filters applied using a reference qualifier on a reference field lookup windo...

[Ankur Bawiskar · Accepted solution]

@Elvin_Salim 

The max you can do is -> you can add reference qualifier to that reference field and it will show only those filtered records

but if you apply the reference qualifier then users cannot remove and they won't see ALL records

It's OOTB platform behavior.

If my response helped please mark it correct and close the thread so that it benefits future readers.