Conditional Formatting¶
Conditional Formatting applies visual styles to cells automatically based on their values. Rules are evaluated in order for each cell in the specified range, and matching rules apply their formatting.
Opening the Panel¶
Open via Format > Conditional Formatting in the menu bar. The current selection is auto-filled as the target range.
Creating Rules¶
- Enter or confirm the Range (e.g.
A1:D20). - Click + Add Rule to add a new rule.
- Choose a Condition from the dropdown.
- Enter the required Value(s) for the condition.
- Select a Format type and configure its settings.
- Click Save to apply.
Condition Types¶
Number conditions: - Greater than, Less than, Equal to - Between, Not between
Text conditions: - Text contains, Text starts with, Text ends with
Date conditions: - Date is, Date before, Date after
Rank conditions: - Top N, Bottom N - Above average, Below average
Unique/Duplicate: - Duplicate values, Unique values
Custom: - Custom formula (enter a formula that evaluates to TRUE/FALSE)
Format Types¶
Custom Style¶
Set text color, background color, bold, and italic directly.
Color Scale¶
Applies a gradient background based on each cell's value relative to the range minimum and maximum. Built-in presets include: - Green-Yellow-Red - Red-Yellow-Green - Blue-White-Red - Green-White, White-Green
Data Bar¶
Renders a horizontal bar inside each cell. The bar length represents the cell's value as a percentage of the range. Choose the bar color.
Icon Set¶
Displays an icon in the cell based on where the value falls in the range: - Arrows: up / right / down - Traffic: green / yellow / red circles - Flags: green / yellow / red squares - Stars: filled / filled / outline
Managing Rules¶
- Rules are listed with a preview swatch, condition description, and format badge.
- Drag rules to reorder them (rules are evaluated top to bottom).
- Edit a rule by clicking the pencil icon.
- Delete a rule with the X icon.
- Clear All removes all rules for the current range.
Serialization¶
Conditional formatting rules are stored per sheet and saved/restored as part of the workbook.