Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated November 14, 2022)
This tip applies to Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, and 2016
Conditional formatting is great at modifying the attributes of whatever text appears in a cell. However, Nadim needs a way to change the actual font using condtional formatting. He cannot use a macro to do this, so he wonders if there is a way to actually change the typeface used in cell through conditional formatting.
Nadim is correct—you cannot change the actual font through the use of conditional formatting. When you are setting up a conditional formatting rule you can click the Format button, which displays the Format Cells dialog box. Within the dialog box you can display the Font tab, but that doesn't allow you to change the font. The choices under the Font drop-down list are grayed out, and you can only change the font's attributes (Font Style, Color, etc.).
Many folks have complained about this shortcoming in Excel, but Microsoft has not seen fit to fix it yet. If you'd like, you can express your desire through Microsoft's "suggestion box" for Excel, here:
https://excel.uservoice.com/
If you poke around there you will undoubtedly discover that you aren't the only one pining for this capability.
At the current time, the only way around the problem is the way that Nadim says he cannot use—a macro.
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2017-08-28 19:07:43
Dave Onorato, CFC
Although it isn't a font change, dramatic results can be had with italics, bold, and size (as well as color).
Personally, I only use 2 fonts in a sheet, or presentation. Titles and text/data. Make your accents with the bold, italics, and even some color. But remember, too much formatting destroys the effect. Much like spice in a dish. The right amount is magical; overdo it and it is ruined.
2017-08-27 07:04:05
Michael (Micky) Avidan
@Nadim,
You may consider using an Evnt Macro (VBA - Excel Programming Language) which will fire at any cell value change.
IN the body of the Macro you can place an IF Statement to check whatever you have in mind.
Serch "Google" for: EXCEL WORKSHEET_CHANGE EVENT MACRO".
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Michael (Micky) Avidan
“Microsoft® Answers" - Wiki author & Forums Moderator
“Microsoft®” Excel MVP – Excel (2009-2018)
ISRAEL
2017-08-26 11:16:27
Nadim Daouk
Hi Allen.
Thanks a lot for publishing and seeking solution to my problem with changing font typeface through conditional formatting.
While we are waiting for Microsoft to address the problem (if they ever do), is there a way for a macro to be automatically initiated say by changing the value of a cell? Kind of having some IF function that checks the value of the cell and calls a macro if the condition is met.
Thanks again for the valuable sites (excell and word) and keep up the good work.
Regards.
Nadim
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