Can I format an entire column based on the values in the cells in an adjacent column?

I have one column filled with with dates column (AC) and I have another column (AD) that needs to be checked off when the dates in AC go past due. If Cell AC3 is past due and Cell AD3 is blank then AD3 should turn blue. Same for AC4 and AD4 and so on and so on (it's a long spreadsheet ).

Is there a way to do this without me having to set formats for every cell individually? When I try to carry down the formatting it keeps the cell references for the above cell. It doesn't carry the formula down. Not sure if I am making sense.

Hi,

Format the cell (AD1) with the Formula using conditional formatting

=$AC1<TODAY()

and copy the format..

Regards,