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Hi,
I am using Conditional Formatting in Excel. I am trying to compare text in one column to text in another column, but the text in the one of the columns is included within other text.
So, for example, a cell in column A includes the phrase: "I use Excel everyday" and a cell in column B includes the phrase "use Excel". I am trying to figure out whether the phrase "use Excel" in column B appears in column A, even though it is included within other text.
My entire spreadsheet is like this. Column B is a fragment of text in Column A.
If I click on Conditional Formatting, New Rule, Format Only Cells That Contain, Specific Text...
Solved by O. Q. in 25 mins
This is the chat thread from the real Excelchat help session. It contains no private user
information.
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:34
Hello! How are you?
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:35
Looks like you need some help with conditional formatting for cells containing a specific string/text - is this correct?
User
20/08/2018 - 01:35
Yes.
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:35
Are you able to paste your data on the document preview to the right, please?
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:35
Sample data would be fine
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:36
Doesn't have to be all.
User
20/08/2018 - 01:36
OK.
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:36
Thanks!
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:38
Hi! Are you still with me?
User
20/08/2018 - 01:38
It won't let me paste.
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:39
Can you send you file as an attachment instead?
User
20/08/2018 - 01:39
I am going to Edit, Paste. My CTRL key is not working.
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:39
try tright click and paste
User
20/08/2018 - 01:40
A box comes up saying "Copying and pasting in Google Docs" Then says to use CTRL+C for copy, etc.
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:41
Hmmm, how about send the file as an attachment?
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:41
Just click the paperclip button to the right of the chatbox to attach excel file
User
20/08/2018 - 01:41
How do I do that?
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:42
[Uploaded an Excel file]
User
20/08/2018 - 01:42
I don't see a paperclip on my end.
User
20/08/2018 - 01:42
Oh. I see it
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:42
Cool. Will wait for the file to be sent then
User
20/08/2018 - 01:44
I just attached it. It is one line.
[Uploaded an Excel file]
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:44
thanks. Downloading it now
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:46
Okay, I will paste the data in the document preview now
User
20/08/2018 - 01:46
The text in column C is not in the same row as column B in the actual file.
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:47
Okay, so what is the expected value in C2?
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:47
Looks like Quercus alba can be found in B2
User
20/08/2018 - 01:47
I figured out how to do it, it column B said exactly what column C said, but the text in column B is included within other text.
User
20/08/2018 - 01:48
I can only search for Quercus alba in column B if the text in column B says exactly Quercus alba, but it's included within other text.
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:49
Could you please check cell D2?
User
20/08/2018 - 01:49
I see it.
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:49
It will return "Match Found!" if Quercus alba can be found in cell B2
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:49
Do you want to implement this as a conditional formatting?
User
20/08/2018 - 01:49
What it it's in cell B22.
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:50
cell B2 = Fagaceae Quercus alba White Oak
User
20/08/2018 - 01:50
Would this still work if it's in cell B22 or B24.
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:50
By the way, if we need more time - you may extend the session
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:51
We are allowed for 2 20-minutes extension for free per session
User
20/08/2018 - 01:51
OK.
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:51
Yes, so you mean to search the entire column B, right?
User
20/08/2018 - 01:51
Thanks.
User
20/08/2018 - 01:52
I am just using the wrong formula.
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:52
I'm creating dummy data to show you an example now
User
20/08/2018 - 01:52
Yeah, my spreadsheet is something like that.
User
20/08/2018 - 01:54
I will work off the formula you gave to me. I think that should do it.
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:54
Okay, now all of the text containing Quercus alba is highlighted after implementing the conditional formula
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:54
That's good to hear :)
User
20/08/2018 - 01:55
Yeah, that is what I am looking for.
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:55
You may download a copy of this file for future reference by going to File>Download As> Microsoft Excel
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:56
Do you want me to provide you a step-by-step process on how to implement this?
User
20/08/2018 - 01:57
I went back to the previous web page by accident for a second. I can see the document again now. I think I can figure the rest out from here.
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:58
Okay, cool!
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:58
Happy to hear that.
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:58
If you don't have any more questions, you may end the session anytime now
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:58
To end the session, click END SESSION button to the right of the countdown timer (upper right corner of the screen)
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:58
Appreciate if you could leave a good feedback after the session
User
20/08/2018 - 01:58
OK. Thank you for extending the session and for answering my questions.
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:59
Thanks! Have a great day! :)
User
20/08/2018 - 01:59
OK. Thanks. You too.
Excelchat Expert
20/08/2018 - 01:59
To end the session, click END SESSION button to the right of the countdown timer (upper right corner of the screen)
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