Creating Custom Searches

There are many times you'll want to search for records that meet multiple criteria. For example, you might want to see out-of-stock records of those orders purchased from a particular distributor. Using the AutoFilter feature and the Custom command, you can create complex searches. You can use logical operators to measure whether an item in a record qualifies as a match with the selected criteria. You can also use the logical conditions AND and OR to join multiple criteria within a single search. The result of any search is either true or false; if a field matches the criteria, the result is true. The OR condition requires that only one criterion be true in order for a record to qualify. The AND condition, on the other hand, requires that both criteria in the statement be true in order for the record to qualify.

Create a Custom Search Using AutoFilter

Click anywhere within the list range.

Click the Data menu, point to Filter, and then click AutoFilter to enable the command (a check mark appears).

Click the list arrow next to the first field you want to include in the search.

Click Custom.

Click the Field list arrow (on the left), and then select a logical operator.

Click the list arrow (on the right), and then select a field choice.

If you want, click the And or Or option.

If you want, click the list arrow (on the left), and then select a logical operator.

If you want, click the list arrow (on the right), and then select a field choice.

Click OK.