solsticesolutions

Q: auto checkbox from xlsx False

Hi there,

 

I create Number based inspection forms that used to automatically put a checkbox in Numbers (iPad and iPhone versions) if the Excel cell was saved with "False" in the contents.  A few IOS updates and Numbers updates later, and this no longer occurs.  The cells populate in Numbers as they do in Excel with the contents of False.  You can change them to a checkbox but need to do so for each cell individually which is annoying for my clients.

 

I have two questions:

1.  Is there a way to have Numbers open the xlsx file with the cells with False in the contents automatically open as checkboxes, or

2.  Is there a way to changes all cells with False in the contents to a checkbox at once without having to do this individually.

 

Both of the above options would need to be done from the iPad or iPhone versions of Numbers.

 

Thank you in advance!

Posted on Jul 17, 2014 1:32 PM

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Q: auto checkbox from xlsx False

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  • by Yellowbox,Helpful

    Yellowbox Yellowbox Jul 18, 2014 3:48 AM in response to solsticesolutions
    Level 6 (10,485 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 18, 2014 3:48 AM in response to solsticesolutions

    Hi Solstice,

     

    Numbers 3.2 on a Mac

    Screen Shot 2014-07-18 at 8.25.03 pm.png

    File > Export To > Excel...

    Open the Excel file in Numbers:

    Screen Shot 2014-07-18 at 8.29.44 pm.png

     

    The usual glitches that I expect (extra cells added, Table name becomes a merged table cell, very thin row 1 added...)

     

    Then I copied and pasted that table with the intention of editing (and giving it a good slap), but (Hallelujah!) I got this:

     

    Screen Shot 2014-07-18 at 8.27.34 pm.png

     

    A working table with checkboxes. I still need to delete the extra columns C,D,E and the extra rows, but the pasted table magically restored the checkboxes.

     

    Cautionary notes:

    - 1. I do not have Excel. All I did was Export to Excel then open again in Numbers 3.2 for Mac.

    - 2. I do not have iPad or iPhone to test this.

    - 3. If your business (and income) depend upon collaborating with clients who use Excel, go with the flow and use Excel or an Excel clone such as Libre Office.

     

    Regards,

    Ian.

     

    P.S. I have just realised how I was able to have two Table 1s on the same sheet. They are not named Table 1; those names are now in merged table cells. The real table names are here:

     

    Screen Shot 2014-07-18 at 8.45.11 pm.png

    Well done, Apple!

     

    Ian.

  • by solsticesolutions,

    solsticesolutions solsticesolutions Jul 18, 2014 8:00 AM in response to Yellowbox
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jul 18, 2014 8:00 AM in response to Yellowbox

    Thank you Yellowbox!  You helped me to realize that I can copy my entire form (filled with False's) and then paste in the exact same spot and it magically inserts the checkboxes I need.  A lot less steps.  This likely should have been intuitive but sometimes you need a push in the right direction.  Thanks!

  • by SGIII,

    SGIII SGIII Jul 18, 2014 8:08 AM in response to Yellowbox
    Level 6 (10,691 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 18, 2014 8:08 AM in response to Yellowbox

    That's a great discovery, Ian!

     

    I tried copying a range of cells from Excel and pasting into Numbers.  The cells with TRUE and FALSE paste into Numbers as ... checkboxes!

     

    SG

  • by Yellowbox,

    Yellowbox Yellowbox Jul 18, 2014 8:18 AM in response to solsticesolutions
    Level 6 (10,485 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 18, 2014 8:18 AM in response to solsticesolutions

    Hi Solstice,

     

    This likely should have been intuitive but sometimes you need a push in the right direction.

     

    Not intuitive, a lucky find through serendipity!

    Thanks for your question. Playing showed me a solution.

    Keep playing!

     

    Regards,

    Ian.

     

    P.S. Hi SG, I got an email notification of your reply as I was composing this. Good news!

     

    Another tip from ChitlinsCC in "Using Apple Support Communities" Re: Using the new-look forums, asking for positive comments

     

    Now, following that tip, I am posting this reply by typing command s

     

    Ian. (command s)

     

    Edit: Yup! command s worked.

  • by SGIII,

    SGIII SGIII Jul 18, 2014 10:40 AM in response to Yellowbox
    Level 6 (10,691 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 18, 2014 10:40 AM in response to Yellowbox

    Ian. (command s),

     

    'Command s' works!  Is that going to be your new alias?

     

    SG