The influence of filters on the mould filling behaviour has been investigated by direct observation experiments. The ingate system was moulded in a vertically parted vacuumsealed sand mould. How the filter in general, and how different filter locations, filter coarseness, active filter area and filter length influence the mould filling has been clarified. The direct observation method is a very powerful way to learn how different ingate system designs and filter conditions affect the mould filling. During mould filling the melt behaviour was recorded by a video camera through a glass wall, from which still images are presented. The general effect of filters is a better filling of the ingate system prior to the filter, and a reduction of the melt velocity, which in turn give smoother filling after the filter. Initially, the downsprue is completely filled at an early stage of the filling due to the back-pressure from the filter. The back-pressure is built up as a result of friction in the filter. An early filling of the downsprue prevents the melt from entraining oxide films or air inclusions. Secondly, the filling of the runner is improved by the use of a filter. The better filling of the runner is mainly an effect of the decreased velocity of the melt. The reduction of the melt velocity results in reduced surface turbulence and less splashing. Reduced surface turbulence and splashing of the melt prevents incorporation of oxide films and air in the melt, which has an overall beneficial effect on the quality of the castings. The location of the filter has been found to play an important role in the filling soundness.