Forum Discussion
Color coded dropdown lists
I'm using Microsoft Excel for Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2306 Build 16.0.16529.20226) 64-bit
I have a status report for which I'd like to use a dropdown list for different statuses and have the associated colour in the cell where the status is selected.
I am able to create the dropdown list and use it, just the colour coding doesn't come across with it.
I have a file of the status report but can't see an option to attach it...
Thanks
Let's say your drop-down list has options One, Two and Three, and you want to color the cell red, yellow or green depending on the selected item.
Select the cell or cells with the drop-down.
On the home tab of the ribbon, click Conditional Formatting > New Rule...
Select 'Format only cells that contain'.
Leave the first drop down set to 'Cell Value'.
Select 'equal to' from the second drop down.
In the box next to it, enter the formula="One"
Click Format...
Activate the Fill tab.
Select red as highlight color.
Click OK, then click OK again.Repeat these steps, but with ="Two" as formula and yellow as fill color.
Repeat them again, with ="Three" as formula and green as fill color.
Select the cell or cells with the data validation drop-down.
Create a conditional formatting rule for each value of the drop-down list.
Thanks HansVogelaar for the quick response. I don't use Excel very often, how do I do the create part you've mentioned please? Feel free to point me to existing instructions!
Let's say your drop-down list has options One, Two and Three, and you want to color the cell red, yellow or green depending on the selected item.
Select the cell or cells with the drop-down.
On the home tab of the ribbon, click Conditional Formatting > New Rule...
Select 'Format only cells that contain'.
Leave the first drop down set to 'Cell Value'.
Select 'equal to' from the second drop down.
In the box next to it, enter the formula="One"
Click Format...
Activate the Fill tab.
Select red as highlight color.
Click OK, then click OK again.Repeat these steps, but with ="Two" as formula and yellow as fill color.
Repeat them again, with ="Three" as formula and green as fill color.
