Drop Down Value to Trigger Conditional Formatting

[hinrgsunshine2]

I'm trying to create a drop down control for each cell that will present the
user with values Red, Green, Yellow. Once selected the cell will turn that
color.

I don't want the cell formatted based on it's contents, instead based on
what the user chooses from a drop down.

For example, the cell contains "Fred". I want a drop down on that cell lthat
allows me to choose "Red", "Yellow" or "Green". Once selected the "Fred" cell
turns that color.

 

[Mattlynn via OfficeKB.com]

Ok, first you have to validate the cells with validation.
Data/Validation/Settings Tab - select list
In the allow section, select list. In the source section of this, highlight
the 3 names say =$A$1:$A$3.
This will create a drop down in a single cell where yiou can select any of
the 3 names at a time.
Now whilst on this cell, go format/condiational formatting and in the 1st set
of options, say
cell value is.....in the next box select "equal to".....and type the name i.e
(Fred). In the format button just below that set your colour preferences.
Once finished, seelct add at the bottom of the main options box, and followe
same steps for the next 2 names.
Hope this helps

Thanks
Matt