# Create rule (Writeback Matrix)

You can build your own conditional formatting rules from scratch or customize the rules created using the one-click options if your report requires it. 

In this section, we'll cover some of the basic settings related to conditional formatting.

**STEP 1:** To create a new rule, select Conditional Formatting -> Create Rule from the Home ribbon. The conditional formatting side pane opens as shown.

<figure><img src="/files/sveuMOh52EaoCPKPRjC1" alt=""><figcaption><p>Create rule</p></figcaption></figure>

**STEP 2:** The rule can be renamed to a more relevant name by editing the **Title** field.

**STEP 3:** You can apply conditional formatting to the **row headers, rows, column headers,** or **columns/measures**. Choose the desired option in the **Apply to** field. For example, if you opt to apply conditional formatting for row headers, you will be able to select the row dimensions that will be impacted by conditional formatting.

<figure><img src="/files/GtulynpxSrUTtPlLptqy" alt=""><figcaption><p>Conditional formatting for row headers</p></figcaption></figure>

**STEP 4:** You can apply conditional formatting to values and totals, totals only, or values only. By default, 'Values only' will be selected. Customize as required using the 'Row hierarchy levels' field.

<div><figure><img src="/files/NNbXp8cVwlixef5TkAvx" alt=""><figcaption><p>Apply to - Options</p></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/ClawH4TZwluXKIzuysnQ" alt=""><figcaption><p>Row hierarchy levels - Options</p></figcaption></figure></div>

**STEP 5:** There are a number of formats that you can use to create rules. You can select the desired format using the ‘Format by’ field. The available options are Rules (If Conditions), Color Scale, Classification, and Ranking.

<figure><img src="/files/7Nf92PmKe3lEFmmJOC0Q" alt=""><figcaption><p>Format by - Options</p></figcaption></figure>

In the next section, we'll be covering [Rules (If conditions)](/working-with-inforiver/5.-conditional-formatting/create-rule-writeback-matrix/rules-if-conditions.md).


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