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

 

[FSt1]

hi
i know of no way to add lines to cell. at least not like you suggest.
but as a suggestion, you could format 6 columns to the width of a number,
then above and below the number row, you could merge cells. the 6 columns,
with merged cells above and below may look like a cell with lines.
May not be what you want, may cause a redesign of your form but.....
normally i don't recomend people to use merged cells becasue merged cells
seem to interfer with other xl functions. but if all you are doing is
creating a form to be printed and hand written on, then this may be a viable
option.

Regards
FSt1

 

[Gord Dibben]

For six digits use a custom format.

#|#|#|#|#|#


Gord Dibben MS Excel MVP

 

[Russ]

#|#|#|#|#|#

Forgive me but could I get some details. I am not a pro with excel
and am not sure what to do with this. #|#|#|#|#|#.

If that doesn't work I will go for the merge idea.

Thanks very much
Russ

 

[Bob I]

Format, Cell, Number, Custom.

Forgive me but could I get some details. I am not a pro with excel
and am not sure what to do with this. #|#|#|#|#|#.

If that doesn't work I will go for the merge idea.

Thanks very much
Russ