Can not figure out how to color cells based on the text contained in the cell

**Kjorg** · 11-07-2012, 04:29 PM

I have data validation set up for cells. The list I pick from, from the drop down, is called StatusCodes and contains:
Work
Vac
Trn
Sick
Lab
Class
Hol
Other
I simply want to color/fill each cell with a different color based on which selection from the dropdown I choose and at the same time keep the text chosen visible. Would I use Conditional formating or Smart Tags or what? Attached is a small example.

**jake.masters** · 11-07-2012, 04:43 PM

I would use conditional formatting. If your cells = G2, then format it red, as I have done. To see the rules, go to conditional formatting, then manage rules.

If you needed to change the colors of other cells, all you would need to do is create more rules.

Is this what you were looking for?