Comparing Text Cells

[Paul Moles]

Is it possible to use text criteria when using equal to in
conditional formatting.

I want to be able to (border) cells differently dependent
upon their contents being equal or not, my problem the
cells contain letters not numbers.

Suggestions?

Many Thanks

Paul Moles

 

[Debra Dalgleish]

You can compare one text cell to another in Conditional formatting. For
example, you may want a top border on a cell in column D if it contains
different text than the cell above.

Select the cells (e.g. D230)
Choose Format>Conditional Formatting
Leave the first dropdown as 'Cell Value Is'
From the next dropdown, choose 'not equal to'
In the text box, type =D1
(a reference to the cell above the active cell)
Click the Format button, and set a Borders option
Click OK, click OK

If you want the entire row to have a border if the value in on text cell
is different than the value in the cell above:

Select the cells (e.g. A2:G30)
From the first dropdown, choose 'Formula Is'
In the text box, type =$D2<>$D1
(absolute reference to column D in the active row)
Click the Format button, and set a Borders option
Click OK, click OK