How to perform a multi-column search in Excel (Using Conditional Formatting)

Adapted from TechRepublic (www.techrepublic.com)
Excel offers numerous ways to search, sort, and filter data, and they’re easy to combine and automate. For instance, you can create a user-friendly multi-column search solution by combining validation lists and conditional formatting. It’s simple to implement and easy to enhance as you grow.
First, you’ll create a unique list of values based on the data you want to search. Next, you’ll use the data validation feature to create drop-down lists based on those unique lists. Once all the pieces are in place, you’ll add a conditional formatting rule that pulls them together.
Because this technique derives lists using the data validation feature, save this technique for static (or mostly static) data. You’ll have to update the lists and conditional formatting range if you change the data range. Of course, you could create dynamic lists and a dynamic input range to handle frequent updates — but that’s more work.

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About the author
David Kandie is the founder and lead consultant at OpenCastLabs Consulting based in Kenya and Rwanda