I want to set a conditional format based on the field length, in Excel 2007.

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Answer from Richard Rost:

Good question. Here's what you do.

Let's assume you have your data in column A. You've got a list of names. You want to highlight just the names that are less than 6 characters in length.

Click on A1. Click on Conditional Formatting, New Rule, "Use formula to determine which cells to format."

In the formula box, type in:

=LEN(A1)<6

Set a format using the "Format…" button to whatever color you want. Click OK.

Now that format will apply only to cell A1, so you can use the FORMAT PAINTER to copy it down the entire column (click on the format painter, then click on the colujmn header).

Now if you want to add MORE formats (lets say another one for names over 10 characters) just follow the same steps again to add another rule.