# Filters
## Overview
{% hint style="warning" %}
Filters are available **only in the file-level backup plan**.
{% endhint %}
When creating a backup plan, you can use filters to control which files are backed up. Filters let you include or exclude specific files and folders, for example, based on their size, or limit the backup content to them.
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## Usage
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
While selecting data to protect, add filters by clicking the **funnel** icon in **Add rule** panel (**+ Add plan** > **Data to protect** > **Add rule**).
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
In the **Filters** panel, configure which files, paths, or folders should be excluded from or limited in backup.
Several filters are available to choose from:
1. Exclude hidden and/or system files or folders:
2. Filter files based on their name or extension:
3. Limit backup data by including files based on their name or extension:
4. Limit backup data by setting a file size threshold:
5. Exclude specific paths from backup. Directories can be filtered using a direct path, a system variable, or a predefined **Xopero** variable:
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
After setting filters, click the **Apply** button to save changes. Filters are applied to all devices protected by the plan. When at least one filter is active, a green dot appears on the **funnel** icon.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
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## Useful links and items
{% content-ref url="/pages/2kRF9D5o6i1a6aog9zXR" %}
[File-level backup](/xopero-one-en/backup-and-recovery/workstations-and-servers/file-level-backup.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
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