sort data without it moving cell colors

**Traymond** · 04-30-2009, 12:00 AM

I have a sheet with alternating colors (gray,white) for the rows. This makes it easier to read each individual rows data, just like some printer papers. The problem i have is when i sort the data it takes the background color with it and i end up with a mess. does anyone know how to get around this ? Thanks

**antoka05** · 04-30-2009, 12:36 AM

You don't use backgound colour but conditional format.

Try to do so:
1) select your data area
2) click on 'Tools' menu, then 'condiitonal format'
3) here select 'formula is', paste formula:
=mod(row(),2)=1
4) click on format command and choose background you need
Now if you sort data background do't change.

You can also use two colors for odd and even rows using two conditional format:
'=mod(row(),2)=0' and '=mod(row(),2)=1'

Regards,
Antonio