Selecting part of a row dynamically for colouring cells - excel

Question

I want to change the background color of cells, but not the entire row, based on the value of a cell. I have some code that does what I want, but I'm sure there is a more efficient way and would like some help in making my code more efficient. Listed below is a snippet of the code that performs the task.
Sub chg_bkgrnd_Color()
Dim rng As Range
Dim row As Range
Dim cell As Range
Dim counter As Long
Set rng = Range("k2:k23")
Range("k2").Select
For Each cell In rng
Select Case cell.Value
Case Is = "Closed"
ActiveCell.Offset(counter, -10).Interior.ThemeColor = xlThemeColorDark1
ActiveCell.Offset(counter, -10).Interior.TintAndShade = -0.249977111117893
ActiveCell.Offset(counter, -9).Interior.ThemeColor = xlThemeColorDark1
ActiveCell.Offset(counter, -9).Interior.TintAndShade = -0.249977111117893
ActiveCell.Offset(counter, -8).Interior.ThemeColor = xlThemeColorDark1
ActiveCell.Offset(counter, -8).Interior.TintAndShade = -0.249977111117893
ActiveCell.Offset(counter, -7).Interior.ThemeColor = xlThemeColorDark1
ActiveCell.Offset(counter, -7).Interior.TintAndShade = -0.249977111117893
End Select
counter = counter + 1
Next
End Sub

Answer 1

Conditional Formatting would be best, but if you wish to use normal formatting, this is a streamlined version of your code:
Sub chg_bkgrnd_Color()
Dim i&
For i = 2 To 23
If Cells(i, 11) = "Closed" Then
With Range(Cells(i, 1), Cells(i, 4)).Interior
.ThemeColor = xlThemeColorDark1
.TintAndShade = -0.249977111117893
End With
End If
Next
End Sub
Following #Jeeped's suggestion, here is a version to use to automate this. In the worksheet's code module, place this:
Private Sub Worksheet_SelectionChange(ByVal Target As Range)
RangeAutoBackFill "Closed", 11, 2, 23, 1, 4, xlThemeColorDark1, -0.249977111117893
End Sub
And then in a standard code module, place this:
Public Sub RangeAutoBackFill(Key$, KeyCol&, KeyRowLow&, KeyRowHigh&, FillColLow&, FillColHigh&, FillTheme&, FillTint#)
Dim i&
For i = KeyRowLow To KeyRowHigh
If Cells(i, KeyCol) = Key Then
With Range(Cells(i, FillColLow), Cells(i, FillColHigh)).Interior
.ThemeColor = FillTheme
.TintAndShade = FillTint
End With
End If
Next
End Sub

Answer 2

You are inquiring about how to get the cells from columns A:D to have a highlight based upon whether the corresponding value in column K is "Closed" or not. Conditional Formatting is a better solution as it provides an automated, background reaction to changes in column K instantly.
Sub Create_Conditional_Formatting_for_AD_based_on_K_Closed()
Dim v As Long, vSTATEs As Variant, vCOLOURs As Variant
vSTATEs = Array("Open", "Closed", "Pending")
vCOLOURs = Array(3, 10, 5)
With ActiveSheet.Columns("A:D")
.FormatConditions.Delete
For v = LBound(vSTATEs) To UBound(vSTATEs)
With .FormatConditions.Add(Type:=xlExpression, _
Formula1:="=$K1=" & Chr(34) & vSTATEs(v) & Chr(34))
With .Interior
.ColorIndex = vCOLOURs(v)
End With
.StopIfTrue = True
End With
Next v
End With
End Sub
This routine may be well suited to a situation where you want to apply the CF rules to a large number of worksheets or as a recurring task on a regular import to a new worksheet but it probably is more work than simply creating the six rules manually.
I've simplified the selection of a backfill colour with the .ColorIndex property. You can find a table of ColorIndex numbers and colours here.
Please note that I am deleting previous CF rules with an Applies to: of columns A:D before constructing new ones. That may be a consideration if you have other CF rules governing the behavior in columns A:D.
Using a formula in a CF rule and locking the column K reference with an absolute $ indicator allows you to implement an Applies to: that is different from the column being evaluated. Use Home ► Conditional Formatting ► Manage Rules to view the outcome.
Manual method:
Select columns A:D with A1 as the ActiveCell
Choose Home ► Conditional Formatting ► New Rule
Choose Use a formula to determine which cells to format and supply the following in the Format values where this formula is true: text box: =$K1="closed  
Click format and choose an appropriate highlight combination from the Fill tab.
Click OK to accept the formatting change and then OK again to create the rule.
Go to step 2 and repeat as necessary. If you start with Home ► Conditional Formatting ► Manage Rules and choose New you can save a few clicks.
Your results should resemble the following.