data validation and formatting

[penguintar]

Hi,

I am currently have a small problem with regards to conditional formatting for my spreadsheet. I was hoping someone may know the solution.

I have two columns: Column A is named "Type", Column B is named "Material".
I have created a data validation list in Column A. What I want is the list in column A to select the format of column B. If the cell value in column A is "Plate" or "Tubular", I want the format in Column B to change to a drop down list for the data range I have named "tubeg". If the value is A is "Section" or "Misc", I want the format in B to change to a free text field.

Is it possible to use IF functions in this way with formatting?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Sadath31]

In data>validation List
enter =IF(OR(A2="Plate",A2="Tubular"),tubeg,0)

[JBeaucaire]

The data validation "Lists" in column B can be tricked into changing based on the values in column A. That's pretty common practice.

However the extended settings cannot change. So if "free text" is allowed for any scenario, it would be allowed for all scenarios.

So, we can show you how to make the drop down list appear for "Plate" or "Tubular" and the user would have the options to choose from easily. But they would still be able to type free text, too.

To make the list appear, select B2:B100 (or whatever) and use these DV settings:

Allow: List
Source: =IF(OR(A2="Tubular", A2="Plate", tubeg)

On the Error Alert tab, turn off the [x] Show alert option.