Google Sheets conditional formatting for multiple columns

Question

I'd like to set up conditional formatting in columns B:D such that blank cells in B:D are highlighted but only when the same row in A is NOT empty.

I think the custom formula should be something like this, but it's not working...

=and(not(isblank(A:A)),isblank($B:$D))

Answer 1

You got pretty close with your idea about ISBLANK.

Use this as the Custom formula applying to Columns B to D

=AND(not(isblank($A:$A)),isblank($B1:$D1))

The formula evaluates two ranges:
1) cell A = whether it is NOT empty
2) cell B or C or D = whether they are blank (that's the impact of the absolute column reference).
The criterion are joined with AND. So the net effect is as if to say:

If cell A is NOT empty, then apply the formatting to the cells in Column B, C, and D UNLESS the respective cell B, C or D is not empty in which case don't apply the formatting to that non-empty cell.

This is the screenshot of the indicative outcome.

Credit:
Absolute Vs Relatives references in critera: Zig Mandel and tehhowch
Formatting Rule applying to a column: Ed Nelson