How to Filter Strikethrough in Excel: A Step-by-Step Guide

Filtering Strikethrough Text in Excel

Filtering strikethrough text in Excel allows users to easily identify and manage items that have been marked as done or no longer needed. By following a few simple steps, you can automate this process and make your workflow smoother. This guide will show you how to filter strikethrough text effectively and efficiently.

How to Filter Strikethrough in Excel

Filtering strikethrough text in Excel may sound tricky, but it’s actually quite straightforward. You will use a combination of conditional formatting and filtering to achieve this. Let’s dive into the steps to get you started!

Step 1: Open Your Excel Spreadsheet

Open the Excel file that contains the text you want to filter.

Make sure the data where you want to apply the filter is well-organized in columns. This will make it easier to apply and manage the filters.

Step 2: Highlight the Data Range

Click and drag to select the range of cells that include the text you want to filter.

Selecting the right range is crucial. If the range is too large, it may slow down your Excel’s performance.

Step 3: Create a New Column for Filtering

Create a new column adjacent to your data to use for filtering purposes.

Label this column with a header, such as "Strikethrough Filter," to keep things organized.

Step 4: Use a Macro to Identify Strikethrough Text

Press Alt + F11 to open the VBA editor, then insert a new module and paste the following code:

Function IsStrikethrough(rng As Range) As Boolean
    Application.Volatile
    IsStrikethrough = rng.Font.Strikethrough
End Function

This macro will create a custom function to identify strikethrough text.

Step 5: Apply the Macro to the New Column

In the new column, type =IsStrikethrough(A1) (replace A1 with the first cell of your data range) and press Enter.

Drag the fill handle to apply this function to the entire column. The column will show TRUE for strikethrough text and FALSE otherwise.

Step 6: Filter the New Column

Click on the filter drop-down arrow in the header of your new column and select TRUE.

This will filter your data so that only the rows with strikethrough text remain visible.

After completing these steps, only the strikethrough text will be filtered and displayed on your spreadsheet.

Tips for Filtering Strikethrough in Excel

• Make sure your data is clean and well-organized before starting the filter process.
• Always label your new columns clearly to avoid confusion.
• Save your work frequently to prevent data loss.
• Use keyboard shortcuts to speed up the process.
• If you are unfamiliar with VBA, look for tutorials or guides to get comfortable with it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I filter strikethrough text without using VBA?

No, Excel does not provide a built-in feature to filter strikethrough text directly. Using VBA is necessary for this task.

What if I don’t see the VBA editor?

Press Alt + F11 to open the VBA editor. If it still doesn’t appear, make sure your Excel has VBA capabilities enabled.

Will this method work in Excel for Mac?

Yes, this method works in Excel for both Windows and Mac, as long as VBA is supported.

Can I undo the filter easily?

Yes, you can clear the filter by clicking on the filter icon and selecting "Clear Filter."

Do I need to save the macro?

Yes, save your Excel file as a macro-enabled workbook (.xlsm) to retain the macro functionality.

Summary

1. Open Your Excel Spreadsheet
2. Highlight the Data Range
3. Create a New Column for Filtering
4. Use a Macro to Identify Strikethrough Text
5. Apply the Macro to the New Column
6. Filter the New Column

Conclusion

Filtering strikethrough text in Excel can make your data management tasks much easier. By using a combination of simple steps and a bit of VBA magic, you can quickly filter out the strikethrough text, making your spreadsheet cleaner and more efficient. This guide has shown you how to navigate through the process step-by-step, ensuring you have all the tools you need to manage your Excel data effectively.

If you’re new to Excel or VBA, don’t worry. Take your time to practice these steps, and soon enough, you’ll be filtering strikethrough text like a pro. Remember, the key to mastering Excel is practice and patience. So, keep experimenting and exploring!

For further reading, consider diving into more advanced Excel features or exploring online forums and tutorials. There’s always something new to learn in the world of Excel, so stay curious and keep pushing your boundaries!

Happy filtering!