Forum Discussion
How can I customize the font in the Conditional Format
You're encountering a known limitation in Excel (Mac or Windows) when working with conditional formatting + cloud fonts (e.g., in OneDrive or SharePoint) — and that message:
"This is a cloud source and will be downloaded when applied"
…means Excel is trying to fetch the font, but can’t apply it in the conditional formatting dialog because the font isn't available locally (yet), or the formatting UI restricts custom font selection.
What you can do:
Use Only Installed (Local) Fonts
Conditional formatting only supports fonts that are fully installed on your system. Cloud fonts (Office cloud fonts like Calibri, Aptos, etc.) won't appear or apply until they're downloaded and installed.
You cannot use non-installed fonts (e.g., from Office 365 cloud fonts) inside conditional formatting — it’s a technical limitation.
Pre-format the Cell Style (This can sometimes bypass the font UI restriction — only if the style uses a local font).
Download/Install the Font (if it's marked as a cloud font, download and install it).
You can’t change font type in conditional formatting using Office Cloud fonts unless they’re fully downloaded.
Conditional formatting does not allow full font customizations (like bold and font family changes) with all fonts — especially cloud-based ones.
My answers are voluntary and without guarantee!
Hope this will help you.
Was the answer useful? Mark as best response and like it!
This will help all forum participants.
- LuisDLP2025Jun 12, 2025Copper Contributor
Hello, thank you for your response.
I´m still having this problem. I haven´t using any special font. I´m trying with "calibri" font, but I can set up the format in any form. I have tried from a new file, new formula, and I just can´t set up the font. Every time appears the same message: "This is a cloud source and will be downloaded when applied". I also checked all setting you recommended and everything looks fine. All fonts are in my local computer, I´m using excel from Office 365. Even form a new file, the option to set up the font is not available.
Is there any other suggestion to solve this?