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As a Mac user who heavily relies on excel, you may sometimes want to highlight two columns on excel Mac, either for presentation or analysis purposes. Highlighting these columns is quite important because it emphasizes the points that you want to make, making it easier for your target audience to understand. However, highlighting two columns on Excel Mac is not as straightforward as it seems, and that’s where this guide becomes helpful.
This blog post will provide you with important insights on how to highlight two columns on Excel Mac, things you should prepare for before beginning, and three different methods to achieve the desired result. The post will also answer some frequently asked questions and provide additional tips to ensure that you achieve the best possible outcome.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Highlighting Two Columns on Excel Mac
Excel is a powerful and versatile application, and for many Mac users, it is indispensable. However, highlighting two columns at the same time is not a default feature in Excel, and you may be wondering how to go about it. While there are multiple methods that you can use, none of them is purely straightforward. Nonetheless, this post will provide you with three different methods that you can use to highlight two columns at the same tim
Things You Should Prepare for
Before embarking on highlighting two columns on Excel Mac, there are several things that you should prepare for to ensure that the process runs smoothly.
- Know the location of the columns – You should be aware of the exact location of the columns you want to highlight to make the process easier.
- Ensure your Excel is updated – Updating your Excel application to the latest version minimizes the chances of errors occurring.
- Save your work – Ensure that you have saved your work before beginning to highlight columns to prevent loss of data.
- Backup your files – It’s a good practice to back up your files because anything can happen during the highlighting process.
Method 1: Using the Command and Shift keys
This method is the simplest of the three available methods and involves the use of the Command and Shift keys on your Mac.
Follow these steps:
1. Open your Excel worksheet and go to the first column you want to highlight.
2. Hold down the Command button on your keyboard and click on the second column you want to highlight.
3. While still holding down the Command button, click and hold down the Shift key on your keyboard.
4. Use your arrow keys to adjust the highlighted area to accommodate the two columns.
5. When you have the columns selected, you can release the Command and Shift keys, and the two columns will be highlighted.
Pros:
- Saves time because it’s easy to use
- A good option for Mac users who are not comfortable with complicated keyboard shortcuts
Cons:
- It may accidentally highlight unintended columns if you mistype the Command or Shift key
- It may not work on some Excel versions
Method 2: Using the Format menu
Another available method involves using the format menu in Excel. Follow these steps:
1. Open your Excel worksheet, and go to the first column you want to highlight.
2. Click on the column name to select the entire column.
3. Hold down the Command key while selecting the second column you want to highlight.
4. Click the "Format" button in the top menu bar, and select "Conditional Formatting" from the dropdown menu.
5. In the Conditional Formatting dialogue box, select "Formula".
6. In the field that appears, enter "=OR(COLUMN()=A:A, COLUMN()=B:B)", replacing A and B with the letters of the two columns you want to highlight. Ensure that you include the equal sign (=).
7. Click "Format" and choose a highlight color, then click "OK."
The two selected columns will now be highlighted.
Pros:
- It’s easy to use since it doesn’t rely on complicated keyboard shortcuts.
- It allows you to format spreadsheet cells based on specific criteria
Cons:
- It may not allow you to format columns that are being used by a formula.
- The process can be tedious if you need to highlight two or more columns.
Method 3: Using the Name box
This method involves using the Name box located on the left-hand side of the formula bar in Excel. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Open the worksheet that contains the two columns you want to highlight.
2. Select the first column you want to highlight, and click the Name box (located on the left-hand side of the formula bar) and name the column (e.g., Column A).
3. Select the second column you want to highlight, and name it too (e.g., Column B).
4. Press and hold the Command key and select the two named columns in the Name box.
5. Both columns will now be highlighted.
Pros:
- It’s an easy method since you only need to name the columns first and then select them simultaneously.
- It simplifies the process of navigating large sheets
Cons:
- In large sheets, naming the columns can be time-consuming
Why Can’t I Highlight Two Columns on Excel Mac?
Highlighting two columns on excel Mac can run into several complications. Here are some reasons why you might not be able to highlight two columns, and their corresponding fixes.
1. You are using Excel 2008 or earlier versions:
If you are running Excel 2008 or earlier versions, the above-highlighted methods may not work. The best way to resolve this issue is to upgrade to a later version of Excel that supports these methods.
2. The columns have content or formulas:
Excel may not allow you to highlight two columns if the columns have content or formulas. Before you can highlight the columns, you must delete or edit the contents or formulas.
3. The columns are noncontiguous:
If the two columns you want to highlight are not contiguous( side by side), selecting them together may be impossible. You may need to select them separately, choose the "format selected cells," and then choose the "fill" and "color" options.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to guide you through the process of highlighting two columns on Excel Mac:
- You can use the above-highlighted methods to highlight as many columns as you want.
- You can undo highlighting by pressing Command-Z on your keyboard.
- Use the highlighting feature sparingly, as too much highlighting can become visually overwhelming in your worksheet.
- If possible, use different highlight colors for different columns to make them stand out better.
5 FAQs about Highlighting Two Columns on Excel Mac
Q1: Can I highlight more than two columns at once?
A: Yes, you can highlight as many columns as you want by following the above-highlighted methods and adjusting accordingly.
Q2: What should I do if the methods don’t work?
A: If none of the above methods work, you should seek help from Microsoft Support or consult online forums addressing your issue.
Q3: Can I highlight columns with different widths?
A: Yes, you can highlight columns with different widths, but you may need to adjust accordingly to fit the selected area.
Q4: How do I remove the highlight from two columns?
A: To remove the highlight, click on any of the cells in the highlighted area, go to the "Format" menu, click on "Conditional Formatting," and then choose "Clear Rules" from the dropdown menu.
Q5: What is the best way of highlighting two columns at once?
A: The best way of highlighting two columns depends on the nature of your worksheet and the version of Excel that you are running. However, all the highlighted methods are effective and efficient, and you can choose the one that works best for you.
In Conclusion
Highlighting two columns on Excel Mac is critical for saving time and emphasizing specific points in your worksheet. The above-highlighted methods are effective and straightforward, and you can choose the one that works best for you, depending on the version of Excel and the nature of your worksheet. Before beginning, make sure you prepare for the process, back up your files, and save your work. If you run into any complications, consult online forums or seek help from Microsoft Support. Follow the above tips and FAQs for the best results.