College Timeline

**kid1000002000** · 07-16-2009, 01:35 AM

Hi everyone!

I am attempting to map out my classes required for the next few years in order to obtain a college degree. Unfortunately, scheduling is a nightmare. What I want to do is have a list of classes that I need to take, and then paste a copy of those class names into a timeline. You can see what I mean by the example attached. For every class placed on the timeline, I would like the corresponding class in the list to change colors or something so I know I have scheduled it.

I know a lot about excel, though I am entirely inexperienced once you start to approach macros, etc. What are my options?

**JBeaucaire** · 07-16-2009, 01:42 AM

On sheet2, highlight column A and type CLASSES into the Name Box (just to the left of the formula bar). You've just named that column CLASSES and can refer to it by that name in a CF formula.

On sheet1, put in your complete list of classes. Highlight the complete class schedule (A3:A30 for instance), then click on FORMAT > CONDITIONAL FORMATTING

Condition1: Formula Is: =ISNUMBER(MATCH($A3,Classes,0))
Format...Pattern...Green

No macro needed.

http://www.mrexcel.com/forum/showthread.php?t=402938

**kid1000002000** · 07-16-2009, 01:18 PM

That would defiantly work in some instances. However, because of the sheer volume of classes I am required to complete for my major, the match function that you provided will only accommodate one class in its calculations. It would be difficult to generate 60 conditional formulas (which is not backwards compatible) on a list of classes that has potential to change.

I will be a happy student if this can be figured out!

Thank you for your previous suggestion. Any additional ideas?

**ChemistB** · 07-16-2009, 02:34 PM

The formula that JB supplied will automatically change the color of any classes in your list which you have placed on your timeline, assuming that you set up your timeline within a single column (each semester beneath the previous). It would not require modification.

**kid1000002000** · 07-16-2009, 03:06 PM

Thanks ChemistB. I was trying to make the timeline horizontal, and not vertical like you had pointed out.

If I wanted to reverse the orientation so that the timeline runs horizontal (with a seperate class list vertical), what modifications should I make?