What does it mean to apply conditional formatting to worksheet data?

Applying conditional formatting to worksheet data means making data visually informative based on specific conditions. This functionality allows for the automatic formatting of cells based on the values they contain or other criteria specified by the user. For instance, you could set a rule to highlight any cell that exceeds a certain value in red, or to apply a specific style to cells that meet other defined conditions, such as values within a particular range. This enhances the visual analysis of data by drawing attention to trends, patterns, or anomalies at a glance, making it easier for users to interpret and act upon the information presented in the worksheet.

In contrast, enforcing a standard color scheme focuses on maintaining a consistent aesthetic across the worksheet rather than emphasizing data relevance. Removing old data entries simply pertains to data management without any visual indicators for better decision-making. Organizing data alphabetically is a sorting process that does not involve any visual formatting based on conditions, thus not serving the purpose of conditional formatting.