[GA4] Apply segments and filters, and view users

Segments and filters use data visualization to help you interpret a subset of data according to certain criteria.

• Filters enable you to show a restricted set of data. They apply to the current exploration.
• Segments are groups of users, sessions, or events that you define. They are available in any tab of the current exploration.

Access Explorations

You can use Explorations in Google Analytics to view individual user behaviors and apply segments and filters to your data.

In Explore, under Start a new exploration, you can select an existing exploration from the list or create a new one.

After you select an exploration, you can use the following 3 panels:

• Variables: The panel on the left gives you access to dimensions, metrics, and segments you can use in the exploration.
• Settings: Use this panel to configure the currently selected tab.
• Canvas: The large area on the right displays your data. The canvas can have multiple tabs in a single exploration.

Learn more about explorations.

Create segments

To create a segment, under the Variables panel, in “Segments”, click the plus sign. You’ll have 2 options when creating a segment this way:

• Create a custom segment by defining all the parameters yourself.
• Use a reference and modify them to your specific needs.

Learn more about building segments.

Create segments from your data

If your exploration shows a cohort of users, sessions, or events that you want to follow, you can also save that cohort as a segment or audience.

1. Right-click on the data on the canvas.
2. In the popup menu, click Create segment from selection. In the side navigation, you can use this segment to Build an audience.
3. Give the segment a custom name if desired, then click Save.

Your new segment will appear in the Variables panel under “Segments”. You can drag the segment to the “Segment Comparisons” section in the Settings panel in your current and future explorations.

Compare segments

To compare a segment against specific data in an exploration, drag a segment from the Variables panel to the Settings panel under "Segment Comparisons".

You can add multiple segments to the "Segment comparisons" section in the Settings panel. To visualize how multiple segments relate to each other, use the Segment overlap technique.

Create filters

1. At the bottom of the Settings panel, in the “Filters” section, click + Drop or select dimension or metric and select a metric or dimension from the popup list. You can also drag dimensions and metrics from the Variables panel into the box.
2. Choose how you’d like to filter data by setting up conditions. Select the match type and enter the expression you want to use.
   Note: The dimension or metric you selected in Step 1 will affect the available condition options. Expressions are case sensitive.
3. Click Apply.

View users

You can examine individual (rather than aggregate) user behavior with the User explorer. User explorer shows the users who make up the data points in your explorations:

1. Right-click on the data on the canvas.
2. In the popup menu, click View users.
3. The User explorer opens, populated with the users who contributed to that data point.

Learn more about the User explorer.