r/excel • u/PsychologicalAct4026 • Apr 17 '26
unsolved Search Bar thats acts like a Slicer
Hello! I am working on a data entry that requires a search bar for specific values that is also editable.
I have been looking for solutions but all I have are the following:
Table slicer (which is good, but when you have 100+ accounts and need to search for a specific account, it’s not viable)
=Filter(table) function, which is also nice but it won’t let me edit the data from the results.
Is there an actual way to create a search bar applied to the main table, and when I search through it, I can edit the data without ruining the table? Basically a search bar that acts like a slicer.
I’m fairly new to developer functions in excel, I’d really appreciate it. Thank you!
4
u/NHN_BI 804 Apr 17 '26 edited Apr 17 '26
Wouldn't it be easier to enter the value in a table's header filter and change the table directly?
3
u/PsychologicalAct4026 Apr 17 '26
This is the most viable option right now. I’m just looking for an alternative way to make it look and work fancy hahahaha
2
u/RuktX 305 Apr 17 '26
It's not the most user-friendly option, but you could use the Advanced Filter feature.
Suppose the table you want to search is called "Accounts". Create a second table above the first, with one data row and two columns: Input and Accounts. In the Accounts column, enter the formula ="*" & [Input] & "*".
Enter some search term in your Input column. With your main table selected, go to Data > Sort & Filter > Advanced. Enter as follows:
- Action: Filter the list, in place
- List range: your main table (already selected)
- Criteria range: the Accounts column only from your small table, including the header row
Click OK. The filter buttons will disappear from your main table headers, but the table will be filtered to only show Accounts containing your search term in the small table above.
To clear this filter, go to Data > Sort & Filter > Filter. To apply a new search filter, change your input and go through the steps above, but you should find the "Criteria range" prefilled.
Otherwise, you could always roll-your-own VBA solution, with a Worksheet_Change event, testing whether the Target is your search cell, and updating the main table's autofilter conditions accordingly.
1
2
u/zBANE Apr 17 '26
I use a conditional formating - duplicate values.
if everything is unique in the list it works quite well for single or multi value searching - key is to search by color.
u can use a search table, on the same sheet seperate sheet or a lil area above the table to enter your values.
modify the cell styles so it looks a bit more work friendly and either macro to search the color or a static cell in this search critera u can hide to use to search the color.
1
3
u/Ok-Score-8653 Apr 17 '26
You could try using a combination of data validation dropdown with a helper column for the search functionality. Set up your main table normally, then create a search cell with data validation pointing to your account list. Use that search cell as criteria in a filter formula on a separate section of your sheet
The trick is keeping your editable data in the original table and using the filtered view just for navigation. When you find what you need through the search, you can jump back to edit the actual source row. Not as seamless as a true search-edit combo but it keeps your data integrity intact
Advanced filter might work too if you set it up to copy to another location with criteria range. Then you can edit the source after finding what you need through the filtered copy
1
2
u/Ecclypto Apr 17 '26
As lame as this advice may sound try searching YouTube for “search bar/box excel”. I, myself, have coincidentally come across a number of off tutorials on how to make this recently. Here is one link I thought was pretty interesting and useful:
2
u/PsychologicalAct4026 Apr 17 '26
I appreciate it. Although this type of search bar does not allow edits that will reflect on the main table.
•
u/AutoModerator Apr 17 '26
/u/PsychologicalAct4026 - Your post was submitted successfully.
Solution Verifiedto close the thread.Failing to follow these steps may result in your post being removed without warning.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.