Changing the Order of Conditional Formats

After you add multiple formats, you can change the order in which the conditions are evaluated and formats are applied to the selected cells. For example, assume you specify a blue format for cells with a value of zero. In the second format, you specify a column value equal to the cell value and a row value equal to a specific number. Then, you specify a third format for the selected cell.

Using the arrows in the upper right corner of Conditional Format dialog box, you can change the order in which the formats are applied to a selected cell. The format order is significant, because formats are absolute. The conditions created in the first format take precedence over the other formats and conditions.

To change the order of conditional formats:

  1. In a grid, select a cell or cells, and then click Conditional Format button; or, right-click a cell, then select Format, and then Conditional Format.
  2. In the Conditional Format, dialog box, select a format tab, and then do one of the following:
    • Click Move Right buttonto move a formatted tab to the right.

    • Click Move Left buttonto move a formatted tab to the left.

  3. Click OK to return to the grid.