How do I create overlapping tables in Numbers?

Question

I've been fighting with numbers and so far I've found the users guide and help more frustrating than useful.  After much searching, I found out that numbers apparently can't do what I wanted to do (dynamically create the entries in a popup from data on a table.  I *DO NOT* want to edit the popup items directly).
So I went hunting for a second choice...which I found an acceptable solution, except there are a few critical details missing.  The discussion had this bit in it below.  My question is, how do I create this locked table underneath another cell? I've been unable to find anything searching via google, in numbers help, or the numbers users guide and I'm beyond frustrated right now.  I need step by step instructions and please don't assume I know anything about numbers.
"The trick is to have a locked table underneath the input cell. The formula will be in the locked table and the input cell will have a transparent Fill so you can see the underlying table content."
The full discussion is here:
https://discussions.apple.com/message/11041900?messageID=11041900

Answer 1

cwolf2k wrote:
My question is, how do I create this locked table underneath another cell? I've been unable to find anything searching via google, in numbers help, or the numbers users guide and I'm beyond frustrated right now.  I need step by step instructions and please don't assume I know anything about numbers.
Starting point: A single sheet document with one table. For simplicity, I'll assume the one table is the one inserted on the original sheet, and has not been resized or otherwise reformatted.
• Insert a second table (Table 2"). Choose Plain as the type. (ie. No header rows, No header columns)
     - Use the Column and Row Handle (bottom right corner of the table); drag it up and left to reduce the table to a single cell.
• Edit the contents of this cell to contain the formula you wish.
• Click on the Table 2 icon in the Sheets list at the left to Select Table 2. You will see square handles at the corners (and in the center of the top and bottom edges) of Table 2.
* Drag Table 2 (the table itself, not the icon) into position in front of Table 1 (the original table). If necessary, use the arrow keys to nudge it into position.
• Go to the Arrange menu and choose Lock. The square handles will change to grey x characters, indicating the selected object is locked.
• Click on the Table 1 icon to select Table 1.
• Go Arrange > Bring to Front. Table 2 and its content will disappear behind Table 1.
• Open the Inspector and choose the Table inspector. Find the Cell Background section, and click the Color Well below the popup menu (which should say "Color Fill").
• The Color Picker will open. Move the Opacity slider to the left end of the bar (0). The content of Table 2 will become visible again.
• To hide the contents of Table 2 when an entry is made in the cell in front of it, you will need either:
       a formula in the Table 2 cell that changes its value to "" (a null string) when the cell in front is not empty, or
       a conditional formatting rule that places an opaque white fill in the front cell when it is not empty.
The formula or the conditional rule will depend on the possible values to be placed in the front cell.
Regards,
Barry