What is the purpose of conditional formatting in Excel?

Conditional formatting in Excel is a powerful feature that allows users to change the appearance of cells based on specific conditions or criteria. This capability enhances data visualization by allowing important information to stand out, thereby making it easier for users to interpret and analyze data quickly.

For instance, conditional formatting can be used to highlight cells that meet certain conditions, such as values greater than or less than a specified number, cells that contain specific text, or duplicate values. By applying different formatting styles—such as font color, cell color, or data bars—users can create a more informative and visually appealing spreadsheet. This functionality serves to draw attention to trends, patterns, or exceptions in the data, ultimately aiding in decision-making processes.

The other options do not align with the core purpose of conditional formatting: creating formulas relates to calculations within cells; deleting rows pertains to modifying the structure of the spreadsheet; and adding images is about incorporating visual elements rather than formatting data based on conditions.