How do I filter individual values inside a multi-line text field in ArcGIS Online?

JohnThomas6 — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 20:09:05 GMT

Hi everyone,
I’m working with a hosted feature layer in ArcGIS Online where several attributes contain multiple action items stored together in one text field, for example:

• Pedestrian • Access • Signal • Intersection

Each row may contain anywhere from 1–6 of these bullet-point items, stored as a multi-line string with • bullets and line breaks.

What I want to do

Create a filter in ArcGIS Online (Map Viewer or Instant Apps) where I can select a single item, such as:

"Pedestrian"
"Access"
"Signal"
"Intersection"
…and return all features that contain that item even if the text field contains multiple values.
My question
Is there a reliable way in ArcGIS Online to:
Filter on individual values contained within a multi-value, multi-line text field?
Additional context
- This is a hosted feature layer in AGOL, not Enterprise.
- I want the end-user to be able to click a filter like “Access” or “Signal” and see all matching features.
  What is the best practice for filtering individual items when multiple values live inside one text field in AGOL?

Re: How do I filter individual values inside a multi-line text field in ArcGIS Online?

BrendanNewell — Sun, 23 Nov 2025 21:39:53 GMT

hey @JohnThomas6 Instant app template "manager" contains a filter that will allow you to filter values that contain "access" for example. There is a post here that outlines where to find this option - https://community.esri.com/t5/arcgis-instant-apps-ideas/instant-app-manager-filter-layers-with-contains/idi-p/1585597. There may be other templates that other a similar template.

If Instant apps don't provide the level of customization you need I would look at Experience Builder and the Filter widget, as this will provide more options for configuration and customization.

Thanks,
Brendan

topic Re: How do I filter individual values inside a multi-line text field in ArcGIS Online? in ArcGIS Pro Questions

How do I filter individual values inside a multi-line text field in ArcGIS Online?

What I want to do

My question

Additional context

Re: How do I filter individual values inside a multi-line text field in ArcGIS Online?