How do I make a cell with vertical lines for number entry?

[Russ]

Remember those tests in school where you used a #2 pencil and had to
enter each number in its separate cell? So if you enter 123456 they
had lines between them. How would I make a cell that has room for six
digits? I have a form I print out that we enter numbers from machines
that are using a six digit counter. I want to be able to scan them in
using OCR. I thought it would help if there were vertical lines in
each box so that the numbers are in there correct place. I don't see
a way to do that using the properties box. How would I go about this?
I have Excel 97 and access to excel 2007.
Thanks
Russ

 

[Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]]

Remember those tests in school where you used a #2 pencil and had to
enter each number in its separate cell? So if you enter 123456 they
had lines between them. How would I make a cell that has room for six
digits? I have a form I print out that we enter numbers from machines
that are using a six digit counter. I want to be able to scan them in
using OCR. I thought it would help if there were vertical lines in
each box so that the numbers are in there correct place. I don't see
a way to do that using the properties box. How would I go about this?
I have Excel 97 and access to excel 2007.
Thanks
Russ

Hi - try posting in a group for Excel - this is a Windows XP group.

 

[Tim Slattery]

Remember those tests in school where you used a #2 pencil and had to
enter each number in its separate cell? So if you enter 123456 they
had lines between them. How would I make a cell that has room for six
digits? I have a form I print out that we enter numbers from machines
that are using a six digit counter. I want to be able to scan them in
using OCR. I thought it would help if there were vertical lines in
each box so that the numbers are in there correct place. I don't see
a way to do that using the properties box. How would I go about this?
I have Excel 97 and access to excel 2007.

Select the cells you want boxes around, and use Format|Cells, look at
the Border tab.

There are also buttons on the toolbar, and on the ribbon in Excel
2007.

 

[PaulMaudib]

Remember those tests in school where you used a #2 pencil and had to
enter each number in its separate cell? So if you enter 123456 they
had lines between them. How would I make a cell that has room for six
digits? I have a form I print out that we enter numbers from machines
that are using a six digit counter. I want to be able to scan them in
using OCR. I thought it would help if there were vertical lines in
each box so that the numbers are in there correct place. I don't see
a way to do that using the properties box. How would I go about this?
I have Excel 97 and access to excel 2007.
Thanks
Russ

You ask in a grouf for Excel or OFFICE. You notice THIS group lacks
those words.

Ask elsewhere

 

[RobertVA]

Remember those tests in school where you used a #2 pencil and had to
enter each number in its separate cell? So if you enter 123456 they
had lines between them. How would I make a cell that has room for six
digits? I have a form I print out that we enter numbers from machines
that are using a six digit counter. I want to be able to scan them in
using OCR. I thought it would help if there were vertical lines in
each box so that the numbers are in there correct place. I don't see
a way to do that using the properties box. How would I go about this?
I have Excel 97 and access to excel 2007.
Thanks
Russ

If making hard copy forms for someone to write information on,
investigate using Word or similar word processing software. Your counter
entry field could be a simple six column / one line table. If you want
to print the forms with changing information like machine names or
inventory numbers you could probably modify the "mail merge" function by
substituting the machine information in the place of names and addresses.

If listing multiple machines on a sheet use separate Excel columns for
each digit of the counter entry field and change the borders for those
cells to a lighter shade so the OCR can separate them from the numerical
entries. You might be able to use light enough colors for the preprinted
portion of the form to allow the OCR software to filter it out as part
of the background.