Conditional formatting multiple columns at once.

Graham Rimell

I'm trying to unify our companies multiple Shift planners into a single Smartsheet one. However I'm running into multiple constraints that is making this more challenging than it has to be.

The biggest problem is the lack of the ability to conditional format multiple columns at once. I have a column for every day of the year. Each column has a dropdown of multiple types of shift.

However when I go to colour code this I have to create one rule for each column. That's 365 rules x the 7 different states. 2500+ rules is an obscene number of rules for this.

I've tried making one sheet of weeks/months, setting the rules in there, and then using it as a template to carry over the conditional formatting. This sort of works, however if i try and combine them on a report they stack ontop of eachother, and don't line up.

Is there any workarounds for this?

Andrée Starå

Hi @GrahamR

Couldn't you select multiple columns in the Conditional Logic, or is the issue that it should only look at one column by rule?

Not sure I follow.

Can you describe your process in more detail and maybe share the sheet(s)/copies of the sheet(s) or some screenshots? (Delete/replace any confidential/sensitive information before sharing) That would make it easier to help. (share too, andree@workbold.com)

I hope that helps!

Be safe and have a fantastic week!

Best,

Andrée Starå | Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

✅Did my post(s) help or answer your question or solve your problem? Please help the Community by marking it as the accepted answer/helpful. It will make it easier for others to find a solution or help to answer!

Graham Rimell

So I have 365 columns representing each day of the year. For example if I have a "D" for Day Shift in the column I want it to be coloured Orange. I cannot in the conditional formatting choose all 365 columns, I Instead have to make one rule per column to make D = Orange. That's my biggest issue.

Andrée Starå

@GrahamR

Ok.

Yes, now I follow.

Unfortunately, as you've noticed, it's not possible now, but it's an excellent idea!

Please submit an Enhancement Request when you have a moment.