How do I change the date format in Excel 2007?

Question

I need my date to look like h:mm AM/PM

I am highlighting my column of dates and applying the above format.

In the cell, the date looks correct, but in the editor line (?) above, I see h:mm:ss AM/PM.

Any suggestions?

Answer 1

is it in File??

Answer 2

Hi can you tell us the version of Excel you are using 2007 is really very different to the previous versions.

Thanks

Answer 3

If the cells look right I think that's all that matters. Ignore the formula line.

Answer 4

right click on the cell(s) you wish to change the format

click format cells

click the number tab

choose custom from the categories

choose whichever format you desire...:)

Answer 5

I'm not sure what the problem is if you say the format looks correct in the cell?  The details in the Formula Bar (editor line) will often differ from what is shown in the cell.

I'm not familiar with Excel 2007, but in Excel 2003 it is click on Format > Cells > Number tab, then select Custom from the Category list and scroll down the Type list until you find the format you require, so I guess it must be something similar in 2007.

Additional Details

Thank you for the additional details.  I have recreated your problem using Excel 2003 and now see what you mean.  Unfortunately, Excel is designed to show the full date/time style in the Formula Bar, even when you have selected a different format for the cell.  However, the problem is caused by the fact that specific formats don't apply if you have more than one type of text in a cell.  I'm not sure what you're trying to concantenate, but you need to try to solve your needs another way.

One possibility might be, rather than attempting to concantenate, place both sets of text in adjoining cells with their respective formats, then remove the central border between them (you will have to remove the gridlines by holding down the Alt key and pressing T, O, G and put borders around all cells if you haven't done so yet) and format the left cell to be right-justified, and the right cell to be left-justified.  So you will end up with two cells that appear as one, with the formatting that you require.

Hope this helps