Create a Filter Activity

Apply a data filter to create a group or data extension containing records that meet a set of criteria. For example, use a Filter activity in Automation Studio to sort out subscribers from a larger subscriber list.

Note Before using a Filter activity, first create a data filter in Email Studio. If you select to create a new data extension, it will be created once you run the Filter activity.

1. Click Create Activity.
2. Select Filter.
3. Provide a name, folder location, external key, and description to identify and describe the activity.
4. Choose a filter definition to see its details. Check the Filter Type to confirm that the filter definition applies to the data source, list, or data extension you intend.
   
5. If your data filter is applied to profile attributes, select a source list created in Email Studio.
   

   Note If your data filter is applied to a data extension, selecting a source list is not necessary. The data extension selected when configuring the data filter is the source.
6. If your data filter is applied to profile attributes, name the group that is created when this Filter activity runs and choose a group folder to store it.
7. While creating your data filter in Email Studio, if you select to apply it to a data extension, a new data extension will be created as the destination for the filtered contact records. Provide a name, external key, and description for this data extension to easily identify it after the activity runs.