Creating a Conditional Format

A conditional format consists of a condition and a format, where the format is applied to boxes that meet the condition.

To create a condition:

1        Click the Home tab and select Conditional Formatting from the Styles section.

The Conditional Formatting dialog box is displayed.

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Note: You can duplicate an existing conditional format using the Copy button.

2        Click Add to display the Define Conditional Formatting Properties dialog box.

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3        Enter the condition name in the Condition Name field.

4        Define the criteria for the condition as follows:

·         Define the first search criteria expression by selecting from the Field Name and Comparison drop-down lists. Then enter the comparison string in the Contents field.

·         Define any additional search criteria in the second and subsequent lines by selecting the And/OR search condition for each line.

·        Select Match Case to match only words that are capitalized the same way as the text in the Contents field.

·         Select Match Whole Word to match only complete words that match the Contents field entries.

Note: Use the Constants button to include any defined constants in the condition. See Using Constants for more information on using constants.

5        Optionally, you can limit a conditional format to one or more levels in your chart as follows:

·         Select the Limit to checkbox and select chart or sub-chart from the drop-down list to limit the conditional format to a level(s) within the entire chart or a level(s) within the current sub-chart.

·         Define the level range(s) to which you want the conditional format limit to apply.

6        Click OK. The Conditional Formatting Rule is added to the list of rules in the Conditional Formatting dialog box.

7        Select the condition and use the Format Box, Format Fields, or Format Connector buttons to define a format. Use the Clear Format button to reset formatting as needed.

Note: The Use Selection button in the Box Properties dialog will copy the formatting information from the currently selected chart box. This can save time when setting up conditional formats.

8        Click OK. The format is applied to all boxes in all charts that meet the condition.

Note: You can disable a condition by clearing that condition’s check box.