how to alter cell format if cell contains text

[Guest]

I am trying to create an appointment book for four staff members to use
across a network. When an appointment is made, I would like the cell
containing the name of the client to be shaded (as well as the cell to the
immediate right of it) while all free appointment times remain white. I dont
know how to use istext and conditional formatting together when I am
conceivable affecting 365 days with 6 available times per day. Any ideas?

 

[Morrigan]

Select the two cells you want to be shaded -> Conditional Formatting

Formula is =COUNTA($A1)


Hope this helps.

 

[Guest]

Thanks Morrigan
I couldnt make that work. I've not used conditional formatting before which
is why I'm a bit vague about all this. I need the cell containing the name
of the person who has booked an appointment to become grey to help identify
the other free appointment times and your suggestion left the cell grey until
I clicked away from it. Any other ideas? Thanks for your time!

 

[Morrigan]

What this formula does is whenever A1 is not empty, it will be shaded.
Let's say you input John Smith into cell A1, then A1 should turn grey.
Once you delete the name, A1 should be white again.

Is that how you want it?

Thanks Morrigan
I couldnt make that work. I've not used conditional formatting befor
which
is why I'm a bit vague about all this. I need the cell containing th
name
of the person who has booked an appointment to become grey to hel
identify
the other free appointment times and your suggestion left the cell gre
until
I clicked away from it. Any other ideas? Thanks for your time!

 

[Guest]

OK, got that working, thanks Morrigan! Now, any idea how to copy that
conditional format to innumerable cells? I take it I cant do the same but
format the cells' alignment (ie, merge them)?