What is conditional formatting used for in Access?

Conditional formatting in Access is a powerful feature that allows users to enhance data visualization based on specific conditions. By applying conditional formatting, users can dynamically change the appearance of data cells, such as font color, background color, or style, depending on the values within the data. For instance, you might highlight a cell in red if it contains a value below a certain threshold or use bold text for entries that meet specific criteria. This visual differentiation makes it easier for users to quickly identify important data trends or anomalies, thereby improving the overall readability and effectiveness of the data presentation.

The other options do not accurately reflect the function of conditional formatting. Changing data types of fields pertains to altering how data is stored and interpreted, while creating automatic backups relates to data preservation rather than visualization. Compiling reports focuses on the process of gathering and structuring data for presentations, which is separate from the visual enhancements offered by conditional formatting.