Excel: marking fields automatically in color - is that possible?

We'll show you how to color-code fields in Excel automatically.

Automatically highlight fields in Excel - what for?

With the automatic marking of cells in Excel, it is even easier to evaluate documents and plans and to identify errors or problems. For example, you can use it to create work plans and receive colored feedback on who has exceeded their number of hours.

Mark cells automatically in color: create rules

You can use rules to define values ​​for which a cell is to be marked in color.

1. First, select the rows and / or columns that the rule should take into account. Drag the cursor over the corresponding cells.
2. Then select the "Conditional formatting" option in the "Start" tab.
3. Under the "Rules for cell highlighting" option you will find various options for defining the rules, for example "greater than", "less than" or between two values.
4. Depending on which option you choose, you must enter the numerical values ​​in the new dialog box. You can then select a color on the right side of the window. The change will be updated live on the marked area.
5. Confirm your rule by clicking the "OK" button.

Edit or delete Excel rules

If you want to edit a rule again or even delete it, proceed as follows.

1. Under the "Conditional Formatting" tab, select the "Manage Rules" option at the bottom.
2. Then a window opens in which you can find all active rules. Select the appropriate rule.
3. Click the minus button to delete the rule, or click "Edit Rule" to edit the values ​​or the rule itself.

To make your tables even clearer, you can merge individual cells in Excel.