Jun 09 2023 01:56 PM
I'm having an issue with conditional formatting in Excel. Column B in my file has formatting to highlight any duplicate values. I only want this formatting in this column. But Excel keeps "helping" by extending the formatting to column C, and if I allow that it eventually moves to column D as well. I have cleared all conditional formatting for columns C and D at least a dozen times, but it keeps happening. How do I stop this?
Jun 09 2023 03:40 PM
Can you snap a couple screen shots of the Conditional Formatting dialog box where your rules are displayed. It sounds like there's something you should be able to do there to limit this. Alternatively, if the spreadsheet is not full of confidential or private information, you could post a copy of the actual spreadsheet on OneDrive or GoogleDrive with a link posted here that grants edit access to it. That way I or somebody else could look at those rules.
Jun 10 2023 12:01 AM
If you are experiencing issues with conditional formatting in Excel where the formatting extends to other columns unintentionally, you can follow these steps to resolve the problem:
If Excel still continues to extend the conditional formatting to other columns after following these steps, there might be some hidden formatting rules or unintentional references in your workbook. In that case, you can try the following additional steps:
By clearing any existing formatting rules, reapplying the formatting only to column B, and ensuring there are no hidden rules, you should be able to prevent the conditional formatting from extending to other columns in Excel.
It's important to note that older versions of Excel, may have limited or different options for conditional formatting. If you are using an older version, the steps provided may not be applicable, and you may need to refer to the specific documentation or resources for your version of Excel.
If none of this helps, I can only recommend what Mr.mathetes has already suggested to you. In addition to this recommendation, information such as Excel version, operating system, storage medium would also help.
Other than that, I wish you good luck with Excel! :)