Highlight specific cells in row when option selected dropdown list

**thebizwizkid** · 01-20-2021, 05:56 AM

For example, if I have a list in A1 with 4 options in a dropdown and option 1 is selected from that list, I want C1, E1, and G1 highlighted. If option 2 is selected, then I want B1, D1 and H1 highlighted. The cells would be empty other than the list in A1. Is there a way to tell which cells to highlight if a certain option is selected?

**etaf** · 01-20-2021, 07:22 AM

you can use rules in Conditional Formatting
BUT what will be in A1 for option 1 , 2, 3 & 4
4 conditional format Rules would do what you ask

Also a sample spreadsheet loaded , as indicated in the yellow banner would help

**thebizwizkid** · 01-20-2021, 08:26 AM

Formatting Attribute by Item.xlsx

Thank you for your reply.

I have attached a sample spreadsheet.

I basically just want the specific cells highlighted in the attributes columns if a certain option (Item) is selected. The attribute cells would be blank. The highlighting is a reference that those specified cells need to be filled.

1) Item 1 is selected from that list, I want C2, E2, and G2 highlighted.
2) Item 2 is selected, then I want B3, D3 and H3 highlighted.

Thanks!

**etaf** · 01-20-2021, 08:34 AM

The formatting would look at the actual value within the cell for conditional formatting to work
it will not to my knowledge be able to know if its the 1st/2nd/3rd/4th from the list that is selected
unless it can also compare the list info somehow, which i my be ble to work

BUT lets assume the text is actually the text
ITEM1 , ITEM2 , ITEM3 , ITEM4

then attached your 2 examples which will change colour

1) Item 1 is selected from that list, I want C2, E2, and G2 highlighted.

RED FILL in example

2) Item 2 is selected, then I want B3, D3 and H3 highlighted.

GREEN FILL in example

Is that whats needed
NOT if the name changes from item 1 to some other name will not work