Search across columns with this LibreOffice Macro

August 18, 2025, 12:38:00 PM

🚀 Ever worked with spreadsheets where first names and last names are split across columns — and the regular Find feature just doesn’t cut it? This macro solves that by searching across multiple columns for full names like Smith Jane, even if they’re split.

And with a simple `.cmd` installer, setup is just a double-click away.

Let’s walk through how to install the macro, use it in LibreOffice Calc, and even assign a custom keyboard shortcut like Ctrl+Alt+F for instant access.

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🛠️ What This Macro Does

Imagine you have:

D (Last Name)	E (First Name)
Doe	John
Smith	Jane

This macro lets you search for full names like Smith Jane — even when they’re split across columns. It scans both columns and highlights matching rows.

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📦 Installing the Macro with a `.cmd` File

The `.cmd` installer simplifies everything. It:

Copies the macro files to the correct LibreOffice user directory
Places the macro in a trusted location to avoid approval dialogs
Prepares it for immediate use

✅ Steps to Install:

Download the macro package
Extract the contents to a folder
Double-click the `.cmd` file — it will:

Copy the Python macro to your LibreOffice Scripts directory
Ensure it’s placed in a trusted location for seamless execution

A `.sh` file is included for Linux users
This Macro has been tested on LibreOffice 24.8.7.2 running on Windows 10 64-Bit and LibreOffice 7.4.7.2 running on Debian Bookworm ARM64

You’ll see a confirmation message once it’s installed.

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🧪 Using the Macro in LibreOffice Calc

After installation:

Open your spreadsheet in LibreOffice Calc
Run the macro — it will:

Prompt you to enter a search term (e.g. `Jane Smith`)
Search across multiple columns (e.g. D and E)
List the row(s) that match both terms

No need to manually filter or sort — just run the macro and let it find the match across columns.

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🎯 Adding a Keyboard Shortcut (e.g. Ctrl+Alt+F)

Want to run the macro with a single keystroke? Here’s how:

Go to Tools → Customize
Click the Keyboard tab
In the Shortcut Keys list, scroll and select Ctrl+Alt+F
In the Category list, choose LibreOffice Macros
Expand My Macros → MultiColumnSearch → MultiColumnSearch.py and select the macro
Click Modify, then OK

Now, anytime you press Ctrl+Alt+F, the macro will run instantly.

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💡 Why Use a `.cmd` Installer?

Fast setup — no manual copying or approval dialogs
Trusted execution — avoids macro security prompts
Reproducible — great for teams or deployment scripts
Customizable — you can bundle validation, logging, or shortcut registration

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🧩 Bonus Tip: Make It Discoverable

You can also add the macro to a custom menu or toolbar for users who prefer clicking over shortcuts. Just go to Tools → Customize → Menus or Toolbars, and add your macro under a friendly label like “Multi-Column Search.”
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