How to create a conditional pattern of values.

[bdsmith1]

I would like to create a rule in my spreadsheet that is similar to conditional formatting, but instead of filling a format, values are inputted. For example I would like to fill a cell with the value "AG" and the two cells to the right fill with the value "O". I am using excel 2013, and saw the lightning fill button. this may work, but I can't tell because every time I try and open it, my spreadsheet stops responding and I get a dialog box requesting to restart the program and recover the spreadsheet. Does anyone have a way of creating this rule? Thanks!

[FDibbins]

Hi, welcome to the forum

You cannot use a formula to put stuff in other cells, formulas only affect the cell they are in.

You could, however, put a formula IN those cells where you want the data to show
If A1 contains your "switch", in B1 you could have =if(A1="switch","AG","")

[bdsmith1]

I had thought about that, but the problem is I have formulas in another sheet in that workbook that are using the index/match combo to organize the data into another type of spreadsheet based on the values in those cells.

[FDibbins]

I saw a neat trick today from member Jonmo.

1. Select CF
2. Under New rule/use Formula, select the cell you want to have CF applied to
3. Create the formula rule, something like =Q3=10
4. Format Number/Custom "AG"

Now, if Q3 = 10, the cell will show AG