[[set-time-filter]]
== Setting the time filter
If your index contains time-based events, and a time-field is configured for the 
selected <<index-patterns, index pattern>>, set a time filter that displays only the data within the
specified time range.

You can use the time filter to change the time range, or select a specific time 
range in the histogram.

[float]
[[use-time-filter]]
=== Use the time filter

Use the time filter to change the time range. By default, the time filter is set 
to the last 15 minutes.

. Click image:images/time-filter-calendar.png[]. 

. Choose one of the following:

* *Quick select* to use a recent time range, then use the back and forward 
  arrows to move through the time ranges.
  
* *Commonly used* to use a time range from options such as *Last 15 minutes*, 
  *Today*, and *Week to date*.
  
* *Recently used date ranges* to use a previously selected data range that 
  you recently used.
  
* *Refresh every* to specify an automatic refresh rate.
+
[role="screenshot"]
image::images/Timepicker-View.png[Time filter menu]

. To set the start and end times, click the bar next to the time filter. 
In the popup, select *Absolute*, *Relative* or *Now*, then specify the required 
options.
+
[role="screenshot"]
image::images/time-filter-bar.png[Time filter bar]

[float]
=== Select a time range from the histogram

To select a specific time range in the histogram, choose one of the following:

* Click the bar that represents the time range you want to zoom in on.

* Click and drag to view a specific time range. You must start the selection with
the cursor over the background of the chart--the cursor changes to a plus sign
when you hover over a valid start point.

* Click the dropdown, then select an interval.

[role="screenshot"]
image::images/Histogram-Time.png[Time range selector in Histogram]