OpenOffice.Org 1.0 Resource Kit

You can set cells up to take on specific formatting characteristics automatically when certain conditions are met. For example, when the calculated value in a cell meets or exceeds a specific number, a plain cell with plain text can become a cell with large text, a colored background, and a thick border.

In order for this to work, you have to create the cell styles you want to use in conditional formatting. See Cell Styles on page 556.

1. Select the cell(s) to which you want to apply conditional formatting.

2. Choose Format > Conditional Formatting.

3. In the Conditional Formatting window, set up conditions and assign styles to them. Use Figure 20-21 for guidance.

   Figure 20-21. Setting conditional formatting

4. Click OK.

Using conditional formatting for text entries

Conditional formatting can also work for text you enter in cells.

For example, if you're building a data sheet for a software product that lists different features by operating system (Solaris, Linux, and Monopoly), you can apply different cell background and font color automatically for of each operating system name you enter. Use Figure 20-22 for guidance.