Google sheets conditional formatting

Watch Video – How to Copy Conditional Formatting using Format PainterConditional Formatting is an amazing feature that allows us to format cells (highlight cells) based on the value in the cell.For example, if you have the scores of all the students in a column, you can use conditional formatting to quickly highlight all the scores that are less than 35. This saves time and also makes the data easy to read and more meaningful.It’s easy to apply conditional formatting to a range of cells, and it’s even easier to copy conditional formatting in Google Sheets.In this tutorial, I will show you Google Sheets copy conditional formatting from one cell to another in the same sheet, in different sheets in the same document, and in separate Google Sheets documents.Let’s get to it!Table of ContentsCopy Conditional Formatting in the Same Sheet (or different sheets)Using Paste SpecialGoogle Sheets Copy Conditional Formatting Using the Paint Format ToolHow To Duplicate the Conditional Formatting RulesCopy Conditional Formatting in Different Google Sheets FilesDoes the Formula Range Automatically Update the Range When Copied?ConclusionCopy Conditional Formatting in the Same Sheet (or different sheets)You can also copy conditional formatting across sheets. Suppose you have a dataset, as shown below, where I have applied conditional formatting to column B (which has the Physics score for the students) so that all the cells with a score less than 35 get highlighted in red.And now, I want to apply the same formatting to Column B, which has the Math score.Both methods allow for

Another in the same Google Sheets file, the same won’t work when you want to copy the formatting to a different Google Sheets document.How To Duplicate the Conditional Formatting RulesDuplicating is as simple as copying and pasting the conditional formatting rules. To duplicate the format rule, you need to:Select the cell that has the conditional formatting rules you want to duplicateIn the menu, go to “Edit” > “Copy”Select the cells where you want the formatting rules to copy toGo to “Edit” > “Paste Special” > “Conditional formatting only”This will paste the formatting rules to the cells you have selected. Read more on how to highlight duplicates in Google Sheets.Copy Conditional Formatting in Different Google Sheets FilesSince you can copy formatting from one sheet to another (but not onto a different Google Sheet file), here is a simple way to use Google Sheets’ copy conditional formatting in another sheet.Move a copy of the sheet (that has the conditional formatting that you want to copy) to the other Google Sheet file, and then use any of the above methods to copy the formatting to other sheets.Below are the steps to create a copy of a worksheet in a different Google Sheets file:Right-click on the sheet tab that has the formatting that you want to copyHover the cursor over “Copy to”Click on “Existing spreadsheet”In the dialog box that opens, navigate and select the file to which you want to copy this sheet (or if you have it open, you can also copy and

Google Sheets copy conditional formatting — Paste Special and Paint Format.Let’s have a look at both of these methods.Using Paste SpecialBelow are the steps to copy conditional formatting from one cell to another in Google Sheets using Paste Special:Select the cell or range of cells from which you want to copy the formattingRight-click and then click on “Copy” (or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + C for Windows or Cmd + C for Mac)Select the range of cells where you want to copy the copied conditional formattingRight-click on any of the selected cellsGo to “Paste Special,” and then in the options that appear, click on the “Paste format only” optionAlternatively, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + V for Windows or Cmd + Option + V for MacThe above steps would instantly copy and paste the formatting from column B to column C.If you want to copy the formatting to multiple ranges, you can repeat steps 3 to 5 without formatting the cells again.Also, these same steps work when you want to copy the conditional formatting to cells in another sheet in the same document.When you copy conditional formatting from one cell to another in the same sheet, it doesn’t create a new rule for the cells where it’s pasted. Instead, Google Sheets extends the formatting to include this new range in the current formatting rule (as shown below).On the contrary, when you copy conditional formatting from one cell to another in a different sheet, a new rule will

Paste the URL of the file)Click on “Select”And that’s how to copy conditional formatting from one sheet to another!Does the Formula Range Automatically Update the Range When Copied?Usually, when you copy a conditional format rule to a range of cells outside of the range in the formatting formula, the range is added to the end of the formula.For example, in our sheet below, we have the custom formula of:=ISEVEN(D2)If we wanted to copy the conditional format rule to column E, then we would select the cell that has the conditional formatting rules.Simply follow these steps:Go to “Edit” > “Copy,” and select the range of cells in column EThen, go to “Edit” > “Paste Special” > “Conditional formatting only”If you go to the rules in the conditional format menu, you will see that the range has changed from D1:D11 to D1: E11. The conditional format rule has updated the cell range to include the new cell range you have copied.If the two cell ranges are not connected, and there is a gap, the range will show the original cell range, a comma, and the new cell range.However, if there is a range within the custom formula, that won’t change when you copy the conditional formatting rules.The above steps will copy the sheet to the other Google Sheets file.ConclusionNow you know how to use the Google Sheets copy conditional formatting tool to move data from one cell to another and into other sheets using Paste Special or Paint Format. If you’re ever

Conditional formatting in Google Sheets is like having a personal assistant that highlights important data for you. Whether you’re tracking sales, monitoring expenses, or simply keeping tabs on your weekly chores, conditional formatting helps make your spreadsheet more readable and insightful. But what if you need to apply the same formatting to multiple columns? That’s where things can get a bit tricky, but don’t worry! We’ve got you covered.This article will guide you through the process of applying the same conditional formatting rules to multiple columns in Google Sheets. We'll explore different methods, from using Google Sheets' built-in tools to employing more advanced techniques. By the end, you'll be equipped with all the knowledge you need to streamline your workflow and make your data pop.⚡The best AI spreadsheet: Bricks makes it easy to create & share reports, presentations, charts, and visuals — all backed by your data. Try it free →Before jumping into the how-to, let's take a second to appreciate why conditional formatting is so handy. Imagine you're working with a large dataset. Finding trends or outliers by manually scanning the data can be like finding a needle in a haystack. That's where conditional formatting comes in. It automatically changes the appearance of cells based on rules you set, making important data stand out instantly.For example, if you're managing a budget, you could use conditional formatting to highlight any expenses over a certain amount in red. Or, if you're tracking student grades, you could shade cells green for scores above 90. The possibilities are endless and incredibly useful for making data-driven decisions.Let’s start with a quick refresher on how to apply conditional formatting to a single column. Suppose you have a column of sales figures, and you want to highlight any sales over $1000. Here’s how you do it: Select the column you want to format. Go to the menu and click on Format > Conditional formatting. In the Conditional format rules panel, set your rules. For our example, you might choose the condition Greater than and enter 1000. Pick a formatting style, like bold text or a cell color, and click Done.And voila! Your selected column now visually communicates important data. But what if you want to apply this same rule to multiple columns? That’s what we’re tackling next.The AI Spreadsheet We've All Been Waiting ForTired of spending hours on spreadsheets, entering endless formulas, and cleaning up data? Bricks AI spreadsheet does the work for you.CREATE YOUR FIRST SHEETLet's say you're not just interested in one column of sales figures, but several. Applying conditional formatting to each column individually can be time-consuming, especially if you have the same rules for each one. Thankfully, Google Sheets lets you apply a single rule to multiple columns effortlessly.Here’s how to do it: Select all the columns you want to format. You can do this by clicking and dragging across the column letters. Once selected, go to Format > Conditional formatting. Set the same rule you want for all the columns. For

(hold the ALT and the SHIFT key and press the 5 key)The above shortcut works as a toggle. If you use it again on the cells that already have the strikethrough format applied to it, this will remove the formatting.Note that in this example, I have applied the strikethrough format to the entire cell content. In case you only want to apply it to a part of the text, you need to double-click on the cell (or press F2 to get into the edit mode), select the text that you want to strike-through, and then use the above google sheets strikethrough shortcut.Using the ToolbarIf you’re not a keyboard person, there is an equally easy way by using the mouse – and it only takes a click.Below are the steps to Apply strikethrough using the mouse:Select the cells or range of cells where you want to apply the strikethrough formattingClick on the Strikethrough icon in the toolbarThat’s it!It will apply the strikethrough formatting to the selected cells.This works like a toggle button. So if you select the cells where the formatting has already been applied and click on the strikethrough icon again, the formatting will be removed.Using the Menu OptionsAnd finally, there is also an option in the menu options in Google Sheets.Here’s how to strikethrough on Google Sheets with the options menu:Select the cells or range of cells where you want to apply the strikethrough formattingClick on the Format option in the menuIn the options that appear, go to Text > Strikethrough.Personally, I never use this option as I find the icon in the toolbar to be more convenient (and it only takes one click as compared to two clicks with the Format option method). But I have still covered it here to show you all the methods that can be used.One thing to note is that you can also strikethrough only a part of selected text in cell bu tnot an entire cell.Related Reading: Change Case in Google SheetsAdd Strikethrough Format with Conditional FormattingLet’s say you’re making a to-do list in Google Sheets and want to add strikethrough formatting once you’ve checked off an item. You can use conditional formatting to do so. Here’s an example of how to cross out text in Google Sheets conditionally:To add a similar type of conditional formatting in your sheet, follow these steps:Highlight the range you want place the conditional formatting in. In the above example its B2:B14Navigate to Format > Conditional formattingIn the conditional formatting pane, change Format cell if… to Custom formula isEnter the conditional rule in the space below. In the example above, we used =$A2=TRUE, which means it will apply the formatting if the checkboxes in column A are