How can you apply filters to a dashboard in Splunk?

Utilizing tokens and input controls within a dashboard is the most effective way to apply filters in Splunk. Tokens are dynamic variables that can capture user input from various controls, such as dropdowns, checkboxes, or text boxes. When a user selects or modifies these input controls, the corresponding token updates automatically and applies to the underlying search queries tied to the dashboard panels.

This approach allows for a more interactive experience for users, enabling them to filter the data in real-time based on their selections. For instance, if a user selects a specific time range or a particular category, the dashboard will update to reflect only the relevant data, which enhances user engagement and data analysis efficiency.

Other methods listed, such as exporting data or manually entering search conditions, do not provide the same level of interactivity or ease of use. Exporting data would not change the way data is displayed in the dashboard in an interactive manner, while manually entering search conditions is more cumbersome and does not support dynamic user interaction. Scheduling reports likewise does not facilitate real-time filtering; instead, it is used for running searches at predefined intervals without user input. Thus, using tokens and input controls stands out as the most practical and user-friendly method to filter data on a dashboard.