Duplicating variables that are in the raw data, and then modifying these (e.g., merging categories, recoding), is much faster than using banners and other constructed variables. So it's good to be familiar with the different Structures and Value Attributes for Variable Sets.
If you want to create filters from a Nominal or Ordinal variable, the most computationally-efficient way to do this is to:
- Duplicate the variable once for each category.
- Combine them using Combine in the toolbar.
- One by one, click on each of the variables, rename it to each of the categories, and then click on object inspector > DATA VALUES > Select categories and choose the corresponding Count this value categories.
- Finally, in the object inspector > GENERAL select Usable as a Filter.