Placeholder text to disappear when cell is filled

[Coog]

Hi,

I'd like to have light grey text in a cell to indicate what information belongs in that cell. Once I type in the new information, I'd like the placeholder text to diappear. For example, I'd like a cell for "Client Name." Is it possible to have the words "Client Name" appear in the cell until I actually write in the client's name? Is that clear? Thanks for any help you can provide.

 

[Von Pookie]

Well, you can have the text in the cell, but when you type over it the new text will have the same formatting unless you change it.

One option would be to simply use Data Validation so that when a cell is selected a brief description of what should go in that cell will be displayed. Go to Data\Validation\Input message and enter your text.

 

[Coog]

I forgot to mention that I am using Excel 2004 for Mac Version 11.2
Thanks

 

[Joe4]

Use Conditional Formatting, i.e.

If "Client Name" is the original value to display in cell A1, highlight cell A1, go to Formatting | Conditonal Formatting and enter the condition:
Cell Value Is Equal to Client Name
then click Format | Patterns and select your light gray color.

As soon as they change the entry from "Client Name" to something else, the gray will disappear.

 

[Von Pookie]

Ooooh, I never thought of that. Cool

 

[Coog]

Thanks for your help. I used the Data Validation solution.