I used the sheet below last week in Use Excel’s conditional formatting features to highlight input cells. In that entry, I mentioned that with just a few enhancements, you could distribute the example sheet to users. This week’s challenge is to prepare this sheet for distribution.

First, a word about the sheet: users select a savings method from the list box in A6 and conditional formatting highlights the specific cells that require input to return a result in B2:B4. In the original entry, I explained how to apply the conditional formatting. I didn’t prepare the sheet for distribution as doing so would’ve distracted from the technique I was sharing. But, as I noted, the sheet isn’t ready for prime time, not yet!

You can read the prior entry to recreate the sheet, or you can download it. Feel free to upload an illustrating figure and include a link in your response (unfortunately, you can’t upload figures to the blog), but doing so isn’t a challenge requirement. There aren’t any restrictions, but do include reasonable instructions, if necessary, so everyone can apply your enhancements.

Please don’t worry about hurting my feelings – I have no attachment to the sheet and I have thick skin! Now, how would you improve the example sheet?

Last week we asked…

Last week’s challenge, Why won’t Word hide index tags? has a simple solution, if you know where to look. Eljensen shared the answer I had in mind: the document is showing hidden text. This happened to me a few weeks ago when I opened a user document. Using the normal toggles, I couldn’t hide the index tags. It took me a minute, but sure enough, I discovered the Show Hidden Text option checked.

To access this option, click the File tab or the Office button, select Options, and then choose Display from the left pane. In the Always Show These Formatting Marks On Screen section, you’ll find the Hidden Text option. (In Word 2003, choose Options from the Tools menu.)

If you check the option, just to experiment, be sure to uncheck the option when you’re done! Thanks Eljensen – you might not think of this option, unless you’ve experienced it firsthand.

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