How to Find a Defined Name Used in an Excel Conditional Formatting Rule in WPS Office
Question details
The user needs to locate the definition behind a conditional formatting formula such as =Plan by using Excel Name Manager.
- Product
- WPS Spreadsheets
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The user is auditing or editing a conditional formatting rule that references a defined name and needs to see the name's formula, cell reference, and scope.
- Observed behavior
- The rule displays a defined name such as =Plan, but the underlying definition and scope are only visible in Name Manager.
Open the WPS Spreadsheets workbook that contains the conditional formatting rule and note the exact defined name used in the formula, such as Plan. Make sure you can access the Formulas tab on the ribbon.
Open Name Manager and locate the defined name behind a conditional formatting rule
Use this method when a conditional formatting rule uses a formula such as =Plan and you need to inspect, edit, or confirm the scope of that defined name.
WPS Spreadsheets stores defined names at workbook or worksheet level, and Name Manager is the central place to view each name and its Refers to definition.
If the same name exists in multiple scopes, make sure you select the one actually used by the conditional formatting rule.
Launch WPS Office, open the workbook containing the conditional formatting rule, and click the worksheet where the rule is applied.
Click the Formulas tab on the ribbon to display the Defined Names group.
In the Defined Names group, click Name Manager. The Name Manager dialog opens.
Find and select Plan, or the name used in your conditional formatting formula, in the list of defined names.
In the Refers to box, view the formula or cell reference. If needed, edit the definition and click OK, then note the Scope column before closing.
Use Name Manager in WPS Spreadsheets to trace and edit conditional formatting defined names
WPS Office lets you open a workbook, go to Formulas > Name Manager, select the defined name behind a conditional formatting rule, and inspect or edit its Refers to definition directly.
- 1. Open the workbook: Launch WPS Office and open the Excel workbook that contains the conditional formatting rule.
- 2. Go to Formulas: Click the Formulas tab on the ribbon, then locate the Defined Names group.
- 3. Open Name Manager: Click Name Manager to see all defined names in the workbook.
- 4. Locate and edit the defined name: Select Plan or the relevant name, inspect the Refers to box, edit if necessary, and click OK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Name Manager in WPS Spreadsheets?
Name Manager is on the Formulas tab. Click Formulas, then click Name Manager in the Defined Names group.
Why is the defined name Plan not visible in Name Manager?
The name may have worksheet scope. Check the Scope column in Name Manager and make sure the relevant worksheet is active.
Can I edit a defined name used by a conditional formatting rule?
Yes. Select the name in Name Manager, change the formula or reference in the Refers to box, and click OK. Conditional formatting rules that reference the name will use the updated definition.
How do I know whether a defined name applies to the whole workbook or only a worksheet?
In the Name Manager dialog, the Scope column shows whether the name applies to the Workbook or to a specific worksheet.
What should I do if a conditional formatting formula still evaluates incorrectly after editing the defined name?
Confirm that the name scope matches where the formula is used, and check the rule range in Conditional Formatting > Manage Rules.
