{"id":301650,"date":"2021-07-17T18:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-17T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/how-to-highlight-blanks-or-errors-in-google-sheets\/"},"modified":"2021-07-17T18:00:00","modified_gmt":"2021-07-17T15:00:00","slug":"how-to-highlight-blanks-or-errors-in-google-sheets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-highlight-blanks-or-errors-in-google-sheets\/","title":{"rendered":"#How to Highlight Blanks or Errors in Google Sheets"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a410cadb3eeb\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a410cadb3eeb\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-highlight-blanks-or-errors-in-google-sheets\/#Automatically_Highlight_Blank_Cells_in_Google_Sheets\" >Automatically Highlight Blank Cells in Google Sheets<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-highlight-blanks-or-errors-in-google-sheets\/#Automatically_Highlight_Errors_in_Google_Sheets\" >Automatically Highlight Errors in Google Sheets<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><strong>&#8220;#How to Highlight Blanks or Errors in Google Sheets&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<div>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"type:primaryImage alignnone size-full wp-image-731741\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/google_sheets_her_1200x675.jpg?width=398&amp;trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1 400w, https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/google_sheets_her_1200x675.jpg?width=1198&amp;trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, 400w, 1200w\" src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/google_sheets_her_1200x675.jpg?width=398&amp;trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>When you have a Google Sheets spreadsheet full of data, it can be difficult to see certain cells at a glance. If you have empty cells where you expect data or errors generated from formulas, you can automatically highlight them.<\/p>\n<p>Google Sheets offers useful features to make data entry and analysis easier. One such feature is conditional formatting. With it, you can configure your cells to contain a fill color or specific font style, color, or format when conditions like blanks or errors occur.<\/p>\n<h2 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Automatically_Highlight_Blank_Cells_in_Google_Sheets\"><\/span>Automatically Highlight Blank Cells in Google Sheets<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The process for setting up conditional formatting for blanks in Google Sheets only takes a few clicks. So, head to <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/\">Google Sheets<\/a>, sign in, and then open your workbook and sheet.<\/p>\n<p>Select the cells where you want to <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/download-scripts-themes-apps\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"9\" title=\"Download Scripts &amp; Themes &amp; Apps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">app<\/a>ly the highlighting. You can do this easily by selecting the first cell and dragging through the rest. Then, click Format &gt; Conditional Formatting on the menu.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-733561\" src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/FormatTabConditionalFormatting-GoogleSheets.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"Click Format, Conditional Formatting\" width=\"408\" height=\"500\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>This opens the Conditional Format Rules sidebar, which is ready for your new rule. If you have other rules set up already, you\u2019ll need to click \u201cAdd Another Rule.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-733560\" src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/AddAnotherRuleConditionalFormatting-GoogleSheets.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"Click Add Another Rule\" width=\"555\" height=\"345\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>In either case, make sure that the Single Color tab is selected.<\/p>\n<p>At the top of the sidebar, confirm the cells that you want to apply the rule to in the \u201cApply to Range\u201d box. You can make adjustments here if needed.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-733564\" src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/ApplyToRangeConditionalFormatting-GoogleSheets.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"Confirm the cells in Apply To Range\" width=\"555\" height=\"361\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Next, go down to the Format Rules section. Click the \u201cFormat Cells If\u201d drop-down box and choose \u201cIs Empty.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-733563\" src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/IsEmptyConditionalFormatting-GoogleSheets.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"Select Is Empty\" width=\"555\" height=\"190\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>In the Formatting Style area, choose the formatting that you want to use to highlight the blank cells. You can pick a font style, color, or format, or use a fill color for the cells. And you\u2019ll see a preview in the box above the formatting options. For our example, we\u2019ll use an orange fill color.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-733562\" src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/StyleFillConditionalFormatting-GoogleSheets.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"Select your formatting and click Done\" width=\"555\" height=\"307\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>When you\u2019re finished, click \u201cDone.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Take a look at the cells where you applied the rule and give it a test if you like. You should see your blank cells pop with the formatting that you selected.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-733565\" src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/ConditionalFormattingBlanks-GoogleSheets.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"Google Sheets conditional formatting for blank cells\" width=\"650\" height=\"409\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 role=\"heading\" aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Automatically_Highlight_Errors_in_Google_Sheets\"><\/span>Automatically Highlight Errors in Google Sheets<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>For highlighting errors in Google Sheets, you\u2019ll follow a similar process. However, there isn\u2019t a built-in option for this like there is for empty cells, so you\u2019ll actually enter a function of sorts.<\/p>\n<p>Follow the same initial steps as described above by selecting the cells, clicking Format &gt; Conditional Formatting from the menu, and choosing the Single Color tab at the top of the sidebar.<\/p>\n<p>Confirm the range of cells in the \u201cApply to Range\u201d box.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-733564\" src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/ApplyToRangeConditionalFormatting-GoogleSheets.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"Confirm the cells in Apply To Range\" width=\"555\" height=\"361\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Click the \u201cFormat Cells If\u201d drop-down box and choose \u201cCustom Formula Is.\u201d In the box that appears, enter the following and replace the cell reference in parentheses with your beginning cell:<\/p>\n<pre>=ISERROR(A1)<\/pre>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-733573 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/CustomFormulaIsConditionalFormatting-GoogleSheets.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"Enter the custom formula for errors\" width=\"450\" height=\"245\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>In the Formatting Style section, select the formatting that you want to use to highlight the cells with errors. When you finish, click \u201cDone.\u201d For this example, we\u2019ll use red bold text.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-733567\" src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/StyleFontConditionalFormatting-GoogleSheets.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"Select your formatting and click Done\" width=\"517\" height=\"310\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Review the cells where you applied the rule and test it if you wish. You should see cells containing errors display with the formatting that you selected.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-733566\" src=\"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/ConditionalFormattingErrors-GoogleSheets.png?trim=1,1&amp;bg-color=000&amp;pad=1,1\" alt=\"Google Sheets conditional formatting for errors\" width=\"650\" height=\"453\" onload=\"pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;pagespeed.lazyLoadImages.loadIfVisibleAndMaybeBeacon(this);\"\/><\/p>\n<p>For other ways to make your spreadsheets easier to read, take a look at how to alternate row or column shading in Google Sheets.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><script>\n setTimeout(function(){\n  !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)\n  {if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?\n  n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};\n  if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';\n  n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;\n  t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];\n  s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s) } (window, document,'script',\n  'https:\/\/connect.facebook.net\/en_US\/fbevents.js');\n   fbq('init', '335401813750447');\n   fbq('track', 'PageView');\n  },3000);\n<\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">If you liked the article, do not forget to share it with your friends. 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If you have empty cells where you expect data or errors generated from formulas, you can automatically highlight them. Google Sheets offers useful features to&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":301651,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.howtogeek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/google_sheets_her_1200x675.jpg?height=200p&trim=2,2,2,2","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-301650","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-technology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/301650","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=301650"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/301650\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/301651"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=301650"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=301650"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=301650"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}