How to format a cell's background color based on checkbox status in another cell?

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Level 1

4 points

How to format a cell's background color based on checkbox status in another cell?

This seems like it is suppose to be so simple but I can't get CHATGPT or Google to help me. Can anyone help?

I am trying to make it so Cell E3 will change its background color to orange(maintaining the text that is within the cell), when the check box in column D3 is checked. I can not seem to reference D3 in a way when trying to format the cell. Can anyone help? Thank you kindly.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 15.1

Posted on Dec 31, 2024 12:20 PM

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Answer 1

Yellowbox

Level 7

21,939 points

Dec 31, 2024 5:31 PM in response to laceymp1

Hi Lacey,

A table with two Header Rows.

Add a helper column (Column F in this example). You can hide this column when all is working.

Formula in F3 is IF(D3,E3,"")

Fill down.

Select all body cells in Column E. Format Panel (on the right) > Cell > Conditional Highlighting.

Add a Rule > Text is...

Numbers will apply and adjust that rule to each selected cell.

Choose a background fill

Hide Column F. Done!

Regards,

Ian.

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Answer 2

Yellowbox

Level 7

21,939 points

Dec 31, 2024 6:11 PM in response to laceymp1

No worries! I am having a lazy New Year's Day here in Australia.

The trick is hidden, deep within Numbers > Menu > Help > Numbers Help (and type Conditional Highlighting in the Search Box to see this)

Sheesh!

Ian.

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Answer 3

laceymp1 Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 31, 2024 5:47 PM in response to Yellowbox

Yellowbox,

Thank you so much for the very clear help and taking time out of your day to do this. You helped me finally get this working. I imagine that took you some time to write out. Thank you 10x! Wow!

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Answer 4

laceymp1 Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 31, 2024 5:48 PM in response to Yellowbox

Yellowbox,

Thank you so much for the very clear help and taking time out of your day to do this. You helped me finally get this working. I imagine that took you some time to write out. Thank you 10x! Wow!

Reply

Answer 5

laceymp1 Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 31, 2024 6:11 PM in response to Yellowbox

Lazy new years here too! Thank you tremendously and enjoy the holiday and new year! :)

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How to format a cell's background color based on checkbox status in another cell?

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