Cell elements formatting not working (version Aug 2025)

[NasTr]

All of a sudden formatting cell elements is no longer working. I tried to apply font color but it only works if I choose to apply it to value and totals. If I select to apply only to values it simply doesn't work. 
Same issue with data bars. Can only be applied if you choose to apply on values AND totals , but is simply doesn't make sense in my case as when totals are included the lowest and highest value cannot be selected (and it has no meaning).  

[NasTr · Accepted solution]

I have tried recreating the issue , tried a new matrix with other data, tried to do a matrix with the same data .... It was not possible to recreate the issue. Unfortunately I cannot share the file where this matrix with the strange reaction sits as it has sensitive data. It seems as a glitch .... I even copied the formatting to another matrix and the strange bevahiour was not transferred. I even cleared completely the matrix and reentered fields and the behaviour insisted! So I guess It was just my bad luck. It seems as it was my bad luck I guess. 
recreated table and it is fine now

[v-sshirivolu]

Hi @NasTr ,

This behavior is currently expected in Power BI Matrix/Table visuals. The “Values only” option in Cell elements formatting does not fully exclude totals, as totals and subtotals are processed differently. As a result, formatting such as font colors and data bars will only display when you select Values & Totals.

Workaround (DAX-based exclusion of Totals):
To apply formatting exclusively to row values, you can use ISINSCOPE() or HASONEVALUE() in a helper measure:

ValueForFormatting =
IF (
    ISINSCOPE ( YourTable[YourDimension] ),
    SUM ( YourTable[ValueColumn] ),
    BLANK()
)

Apply conditional formatting using ValueForFormatting rather than the original column. This ensures formatting appears only in detail rows, and is omitted in totals/subtotals.

• This method prevents min/max scaling issues with data bars when totals are present.
• You may assign a fixed color to totals using an ELSE condition if desired.
• Ensure you are using the latest version of Power BI Desktop, as formatting features are updated regularly.

In summary, while Power BI does not natively support Values-only formatting for cell elements, leveraging a measure with ISINSCOPE() provides precise control over formatting application.