Replace contents with checkmark

[theeetexan]

I want to place a checkmark in a cell by entering any input in a cell then replace that data with a checkmark.

For example...

I want to take attendance of a class. Beside each student's name is a column showing whether he was in attendance or not. If he attended a checkmark will appear in the cell next to the name of the student.

I want to do this by clicking on that cell and entering any key, let's say the spacebar, although it could be any key. But, instead of the entered character being displayed in the cell I want a simple checkmark. So the checkmard needs to replace any character entered. This way I can simply go down the list and hit the spacebar or any key and a checkmark appears. Or, if no keystroke is made, then the cell is left blank. To clear the checkmark all that should be needed is to place the cursor in the cell and hit delete.

I can't figure this out after hours of attempts. I want to try to not use a macro and I can't use VB.

Any Ideas please?

Tex

[protonLeah]

Select the column(s) that will hold the check marks.
Format font: Marlett
type letter: a or b = checkmark
r = "x"
-----------------
Then you can use conditional formatting for, say, green if 'a' or red if 'r'

[theeetexan]

Select the column(s) that will hold the check marks.
Format font: Marlett
type letter: a or b = checkmark
r = "x"
-----------------
Then you can use conditional formatting for, say, green if 'a' or red if 'r'

I don’t want the cell colored. What I want is when I hit any key a check mark appears. No color

[protonLeah]

I'm afraid you did not read my post

Did you even try the first part?

[theeetexan]

I'm afraid you did not read my post

Did you even try the first part?

I’m sorry. Let me try that first part. Thanks

[josephteh]

Use custom number formatting: "x";"x";"x";"x"

checkmark.png

[theeetexan]

I’m sorry. Let me try that first part. Thanks

I’m sorry but that didn’t work.

There needs to be a way to create a conditional formatting rule that places a check mark in a cell when any key is struck. I can’t find it so far

Tex

[TMS]

There needs to be a way to create a conditional formatting rule that places a check mark in a cell when any key is struck. I can’t find it so far

That's because Conditional Formatting does what it says on the tin, formatting. It can adjust the formatting of a cell but it can't change the content.

[torachan]

see quick demo attached - data validation is in 'B2' - small VBA macro in Sheet1 module - the data container is a 'structured table' - to extend make an entry in 'A3' - data validation will expand/contract as data is added/deleted from table.
Sorry just re-read first post - you do not want macro/VBA - I will leave the post up as a solution as it is not possible any other way (as far as my knowledge tells me.)

[tanasedn]

Select all cells in witch you want to see check mark if the cell is not empty, then Go to Format Cells>Custom format and in Type box
write

Please Login or Register  to view this content.

In Format Cells window go to Font and choose Marlett. Then you can type anything in those cells and they will always show a checkmark