How to Create Dummy Text in Excel?

In the world of spreadsheets, especially in Excel, it’s common to need placeholder text—often referred to as “dummy text”—for various purposes. Whether you’re designing a new template, filling in sample data for a presentation, or testing how your formatting looks with real content, dummy text can save you time and ensure that your layout functions as intended without needing to enter real information.

Dummy text serves as a filler, helping to create a visual representation of what the finished product will look like, without having to worry about the actual content just yet. It’s an invaluable tool for anyone who works with Excel on a regular basis, from designers and marketers to analysts and developers.

In this article, we’ll walk you through several methods for generating dummy text in Excel, from simple random text formulas to using macros for more automation. We’ll also cover when and why you might need dummy text, so you can effectively utilize it in your Excel projects. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a good understanding of how to quickly and easily create placeholder text to streamline your workflow.

Why Use Dummy Text in Excel?

Using dummy text in Excel offers several advantages, especially when working with templates, reports, or mockups. Here are some key reasons why creating placeholder text can be incredibly useful:

1. Streamlining Design and Layouts

When creating an Excel template or report, you often need to visualize how the layout will look with actual content. Dummy text helps to simulate this effect without having to input real data. For example, if you’re designing a sales report or an invoice template, you can use dummy text to see how the fonts, cell sizes, and formatting will look once the real data is entered. This ensures that the final result is visually appealing and functional before you add actual figures or text.

2. Placeholder for Sample Data

If you’re creating a new project in Excel and don’t yet have actual data, you can use dummy text as a placeholder. For instance, when building out a dataset with names, addresses, or product descriptions, filling in some of the fields with random text can help you test various functions (like sorting or filtering) or see how your calculations will work once the real data is input.

3. Testing Features and Functionality

Dummy text can also be helpful when testing Excel’s features, like charts, conditional formatting, or data validation rules. By using fake data, you can see how these features behave with large amounts of text or specific patterns without the need to rely on actual content.

4. Presenting Mockups and Prototypes

In cases where you’re presenting a mockup or prototype of an Excel dashboard or a report, dummy text provides a quick and easy way to fill out the template with realistic-looking data. This is especially useful for sharing your work with clients or stakeholders when the actual data is not yet available, but you still want to showcase the design and functionality.

5. Saving Time and Improving Efficiency

Instead of manually entering filler data, using dummy text functions in Excel helps you quickly generate placeholder text in bulk. This can be a huge time-saver, especially when working with large spreadsheets or preparing templates that will be used repeatedly. Automating this process frees up your time to focus on more important tasks, such as data analysis and decision-making.

How to Create Dummy Text in Excel (Step-by-Step Methods)

There are several ways to create dummy text in Excel, depending on your needs and preferences. Below, we’ll cover some of the most effective methods to generate placeholder text in Excel.

Method 1: Using the “RAND” Function for Random Text

The RAND function is one of Excel’s most commonly used functions for generating random data, including numbers and text. When you need to generate a quick and random string of characters, this function can be incredibly useful.

How to Use the RAND Function for Dummy Text:

1. In any cell, type the following formula:scssCopy code=CHAR(RANDBETWEEN(65,90)) This formula generates a random uppercase letter each time the worksheet recalculates. The RANDBETWEEN(65,90) part generates a random number between 65 and 90 (which corresponds to the ASCII codes for uppercase letters A-Z), and CHAR converts that number into the corresponding letter.
2. If you need more than one random letter, you can combine multiple CHAR(RANDBETWEEN()) functions like this:scssCopy code=CHAR(RANDBETWEEN(65,90)) & CHAR(RANDBETWEEN(65,90)) & CHAR(RANDBETWEEN(65,90)) This will generate a random 3-letter string.

Customization: You can adjust the number of characters you want by adding more CHAR(RANDBETWEEN()) elements to the formula. Additionally, for a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, you can adjust the RANDBETWEEN range, such as:

scssCopy code=CHAR(RANDBETWEEN(97,122))  // For lowercase letters a-z

Method 2: Using the “RANDBETWEEN” Function for Custom Text

Another way to generate random text is by using the RANDBETWEEN function combined with predefined words or phrases. This method is especially useful if you want dummy text that looks more like actual data (e.g., random names, places, or other terms).

How to Use RANDBETWEEN for Custom Dummy Text:

1. First, list a set of words or phrases somewhere on your sheet that you want to randomize (for example, “Apple,” “Banana,” “Cherry” in cells A1:A3).
2. In another cell, enter the following formula:lessCopy code=INDEX(A1:A3, RANDBETWEEN(1, 3)) This formula randomly selects one of the words from the range A1:A3 each time the worksheet recalculates.
3. If you need a sentence or longer phrase, you can string multiple INDEX functions together:cssCopy code=INDEX(A1:A3, RANDBETWEEN(1, 3)) & " " & INDEX(A1:A3, RANDBETWEEN(1, 3)) & " " & INDEX(A1:A3, RANDBETWEEN(1, 3)) This will generate a random phrase made up of three words from the list.

Customization: You can expand your list of phrases or words and adjust the RANDBETWEEN range accordingly to fit your needs. This method provides more realistic-looking dummy text while keeping the randomization intact.

Method 3: Using the “TEXTJOIN” Function for Combining Text

If you’re looking for a way to generate dummy text that consists of multiple strings combined together—whether from random numbers, words, or sentences—the TEXTJOIN function in Excel is a powerful tool. This function allows you to combine a series of text elements into one cell, which can be helpful for creating placeholder text in a variety of formats.

How to Use TEXTJOIN for Dummy Text:

1. Let’s say you want to create a sentence by combining several elements. First, create a list of words or phrases in separate cells (e.g., “Lorem,” “Ipsum,” “Dolor” in cells A1:A3).
2. In a different cell, enter the following formula:phpCopy code=TEXTJOIN(" ", TRUE, A1:A3) This formula will join the words in cells A1 through A3, separating them with a space.
3. You can also use TEXTJOIN in combination with RANDBETWEEN to create random sentences. For example:lessCopy code=TEXTJOIN(" ", TRUE, INDEX(A1:A3, RANDBETWEEN(1, 3)), INDEX(A1:A3, RANDBETWEEN(1, 3)), INDEX(A1:A3, RANDBETWEEN(1, 3))) This will create a random sentence by picking random words from the list in cells A1:A3.

Customization: You can easily expand this formula by adding more words or phrases to the range and adjusting the separator. The TEXTJOIN function is flexible and can create complex combinations of dummy text quickly.

Method 4: Using Pre-made Dummy Text (e.g., Lorem Ipsum)

If you’re looking for a simple and straightforward solution, using pre-made dummy text like Lorem Ipsum is a great option. This type of placeholder text is commonly used for visualizing layouts and is recognized worldwide as a standard filler.

How to Use Lorem Ipsum in Excel:

1. Copy the text you need from a Lorem Ipsum generator online (there are many free options available).
2. Paste the text directly into the desired cell(s) in Excel.

Customization: You can adjust the length of the text by copying and pasting more or fewer paragraphs. While this method is fast, it lacks the dynamic nature of formulas, and the text remains static unless you manually change it.

Automating Dummy Text Creation with Excel Macros

While the methods discussed so far are useful for generating dummy text manually, if you frequently need placeholder text for your projects, automating the process with Excel macros can save you a great deal of time and effort. Macros allow you to record a series of actions, which you can then run with a single click to instantly insert dummy text into your spreadsheet.

What is an Excel Macro?

An Excel macro is a set of pre-recorded actions that can be executed to automate repetitive tasks. Macros are created using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), a programming language integrated into Excel. By recording or writing a macro, you can create complex tasks, such as inserting random dummy text, with a single button press.

How to Create a Simple Macro to Insert Dummy Text:

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a basic macro for inserting random dummy text into your Excel sheet:

1. Enable the Developer Tab
   Before you can create or run macros, you need to enable the Developer tab in Excel. To do this:
   • Go to the “File” tab.
   • Click “Options.”
   • In the Excel Options window, select “Customize Ribbon” on the left.
   • On the right side, check the box next to “Developer” and click “OK.”
2. Record a New Macro
   Now that the Developer tab is visible, you can start recording your macro.
   • Click on the “Developer” tab.
   • In the “Code” group, click on “Record Macro.”
   • Give your macro a name (e.g., “InsertDummyText”), assign a shortcut key if you wish, and choose where to store the macro (the “This Workbook” option works fine for most uses).
   • Click “OK” to begin recording.
3. Enter Dummy Text
   While the macro is recording, perform the actions you want to automate. For instance:
   • Select a cell where you want to insert dummy text.
   • Manually enter random dummy text (you can use the RAND, RANDBETWEEN, or any other method discussed above).
   • After entering the text, stop recording the macro by clicking “Stop Recording” in the Developer tab.
4. Run the Macro
   Now that the macro is recorded, you can run it at any time:
   • Simply click on the “Macros” button in the Developer tab.
   • Choose your macro from the list and click “Run.”
   • Your dummy text will be automatically inserted into the selected cell.

Creating a Macro with VBA for More Flexibility:

For more advanced functionality, you can write a custom VBA code to create random dummy text. Here’s an example of VBA code that generates random placeholder text:

1. Open the Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) editor by pressing Alt + F11.
2. In the editor, go to “Insert” > “Module” to create a new module.
3. Copy and paste the following VBA code into the module:vbaCopy codeSub InsertRandomText() Dim i As Integer Dim randomText As String randomText = "" For i = 1 To 5 ' Number of words in the dummy text randomText = randomText & Chr(Rnd() * (90 - 65) + 65) & Chr(Rnd() * (90 - 65) + 65) & " " Next i ActiveCell.Value = randomText End Sub This code will generate five random pairs of uppercase letters and insert them into the currently selected cell. You can adjust the For i = 1 To 5 line to generate more or fewer words.
4. Close the editor and return to Excel.
5. Run your macro by going to the Developer tab and selecting “Macros,” then running “InsertRandomText.”

Assigning the Macro to a Button:

If you want to make the process even more user-friendly, you can assign your macro to a button in Excel:

1. Click on the “Developer” tab and choose “Insert” under the “Controls” group.
2. Select a “Button” and draw it on your sheet.
3. Once the button is created, the “Assign Macro” dialog will appear. Select your macro from the list and click “OK.”
4. Now, clicking the button will automatically run your macro and insert dummy text.

Advantages of Using Macros for Dummy Text:

• Automation: Save time by automating the process of generating dummy text with a click.
• Consistency: Ensure the same format and length of dummy text every time you run the macro.
• Customization: Write advanced code to generate text that fits specific patterns or needs.

Tips and Tricks for Working with Dummy Text in Excel

Creating dummy text in Excel can be straightforward, but with a few tips and tricks, you can make the process even more efficient and tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking to control the length of your dummy text, format it better, or make it more dynamic for testing, these strategies can save you time and improve your workflow.

1. Controlling the Length of Dummy Text

Sometimes, you may need dummy text to fit a specific length, either in terms of characters, words, or paragraphs. Here’s how you can control the length of your dummy text:

• For a Specific Number of Characters:
  If you want to generate dummy text with a fixed length, you can modify the RANDBETWEEN formula to produce text of a desired character count. For example, the following formula generates a string of 10 random letters:excelCopy code=TEXTJOIN("", TRUE, CHAR(RANDBETWEEN(65, 90)), CHAR(RANDBETWEEN(65, 90)), CHAR(RANDBETWEEN(65, 90)), CHAR(RANDBETWEEN(65, 90)), CHAR(RANDBETWEEN(65, 90)), CHAR(RANDBETWEEN(65, 90)), CHAR(RANDBETWEEN(65, 90)), CHAR(RANDBETWEEN(65, 90)), CHAR(RANDBETWEEN(65, 90)), CHAR(RANDBETWEEN(65, 90))) This formula will return a string of 10 random uppercase letters. By adjusting the number of CHAR(RANDBETWEEN()) elements, you can increase or decrease the length.
• For a Specific Number of Words or Sentences:
  If you need to create a certain number of words or sentences, use TEXTJOIN with multiple references to a list of words or phrases, as discussed in Method 3. To generate, say, five words, you can repeat the INDEX function five times:excelCopy code=TEXTJOIN(" ", TRUE, INDEX(A1:A3, RANDBETWEEN(1, 3)), INDEX(A1:A3, RANDBETWEEN(1, 3)), INDEX(A1:A3, RANDBETWEEN(1, 3)), INDEX(A1:A3, RANDBETWEEN(1, 3)), INDEX(A1:A3, RANDBETWEEN(1, 3)))

2. Formatting Your Dummy Text

To make the dummy text look more realistic or fit better with your design, you can apply various formatting techniques. Here are some helpful tips:

• Font Style and Size:
  Choose a font that best matches the text you’re simulating. You can also change the size and style (bold, italics, etc.) to align with the rest of your document. To quickly apply formatting, select the cell with your dummy text and use the formatting options in the “Home” tab.
• Text Alignment:
  If you’re working with large chunks of text, use text alignment tools to ensure the dummy text is positioned properly. For instance, for a cleaner look in table cells, center or left-align the text. You can find these options under the “Alignment” section in the “Home” tab.
• Text Wrapping:
  If your dummy text exceeds the width of the cell, make sure to enable text wrapping so that it continues on multiple lines within the same cell. To enable text wrapping, select the cell(s), go to the “Home” tab, and click on the “Wrap Text” option.

3. Making Dummy Text Dynamic for Testing

In some cases, you may want your dummy text to adjust dynamically based on other factors, such as the number of rows or columns, or based on specific conditions in your Excel sheet. Here are a few techniques:

• Using Dynamic Length with Excel Functions:
  To make your dummy text more flexible, you can combine functions like COUNTA or ROWS to create text that adjusts dynamically. For example, if you want to generate random text based on the number of rows in a column, you could use a formula like:excelCopy code=TEXTJOIN(" ", TRUE, INDEX(A1:A3, RANDBETWEEN(1, COUNTA(A1:A3)))) This will allow the formula to pick random words from the list based on how many items are in the range.
• Conditional Dummy Text:
  Sometimes you may want to display different types of dummy text based on a specific condition. For example, if a cell contains a certain value, you can use the IF function to insert different types of dummy text:excelCopy code=IF(A1="Product", "Product Description: " & TEXTJOIN(" ", TRUE, INDEX(A1:A3, RANDBETWEEN(1, 3))), "No Product Data") This formula checks if cell A1 contains the word “Product” and, if true, generates a product description using random words; otherwise, it shows “No Product Data.”

4. Combining Dummy Text with Other Excel Features

Another way to enhance your dummy text is by combining it with other powerful Excel features like data validation, conditional formatting, and custom formatting.

• Data Validation:
  You can use data validation to limit the types of dummy text being entered into cells. For example, you can set up a dropdown list of predefined words or phrases (like “Product Name,” “Region,” etc.) to simulate structured data.
• Conditional Formatting:
  If you’re testing how your dummy text will look with conditional formatting (such as color changes based on value), you can apply rules based on the content of the cell. For example, you could have dummy text change color when the word “Product” appears in the cell, helping you visualize how real data will interact with your formatting rules.

5. Clearing Dummy Text Easily

Once you’re done working with your dummy text, you might need to clear it from your Excel sheet. Here are a few quick ways to remove dummy text:

• Using the Delete Key:
  Select the cells containing the dummy text and simply press the “Delete” key. This will clear the contents without affecting the formatting.
• Using the “Clear Contents” Option:
  For a more thorough clearing, go to the “Home” tab, click the “Clear” dropdown, and select “Clear Contents” to remove both the text and any formula used to generate it.

Common Issues When Working with Dummy Text in Excel and How to Solve Them

While creating and using dummy text in Excel is a useful technique, you may occasionally run into some challenges. Whether it’s dealing with formatting issues, problems with formula performance, or unexpected results, understanding common issues can help you troubleshoot and solve them quickly. Here are some of the most frequent problems people face when using dummy text and how to address them.

1. Dummy Text Doesn’t Update When Excel Recalculates

One of the most common issues when using random text formulas (such as RAND, RANDBETWEEN, or CHAR) is that the text may not update automatically when you expect it to. Typically, these formulas will only recalculate when a change occurs elsewhere in the workbook.

Solution:

• Press F9 to manually recalculate the sheet. This will trigger Excel to update the random text in cells that use formulas like RAND or RANDBETWEEN.
• Alternatively, you can set Excel to recalculate automatically. Go to File > Options > Formulas, then under “Calculation options,” ensure that “Automatic” is selected. This will ensure that all formulas (including those generating random text) are recalculated every time the workbook is updated.

2. Formulas Producing Too Much or Too Little Text

Sometimes, when you’re using formulas to generate dummy text, you might find that the results are not what you expected. For example, you may get more or fewer characters or words than intended.

Solution:

• Control Word Count: If using TEXTJOIN or a similar formula to create sentences or phrases, check that the number of functions (such as INDEX or RANDBETWEEN) matches the desired number of words or phrases. For example, if you want exactly five words, you should have five instances of INDEX or RANDBETWEEN in your formula.
• Control Character Length: To ensure that dummy text is the correct length (e.g., 10 characters), use the correct number of CHAR(RANDBETWEEN(...)) elements in your formula, as shown earlier.

3. Formatting and Alignment Issues

When dummy text doesn’t align properly within cells, it can disrupt the overall layout, especially if you’re working with large text blocks or cells with merged content.

Solution:

• Wrap Text: If the text is spilling out of the cell or not fitting properly, ensure that “Wrap Text” is enabled under the “Home” tab.
• Text Alignment: Make sure the text is aligned according to your layout needs (left, center, right). You can use the “Alignment” section of the “Home” tab to adjust horizontal and vertical alignment.
• Adjust Column Width: Sometimes, columns may be too narrow to display all the text. You can adjust the column width manually by dragging the column border or use “AutoFit” by double-clicking the column header boundary.

4. Dummy Text Not Appearing in Some Cells

If your dummy text formula isn’t showing up in some cells, it might be due to several reasons, such as incorrect formula syntax or issues with hidden columns or rows.

Solution:

• Check Formula Syntax: Ensure that the formulas you’re using are correctly entered, with no missing parentheses or commas. If you’re using complex formulas, break them down into smaller parts to troubleshoot.
• Unhide Cells: Verify that the rows or columns where the dummy text should appear are not hidden. To unhide rows or columns, right-click on the row or column header and select “Unhide.”
• Check Cell Formatting: Sometimes, text may be appearing in the same color as the background (e.g., white text on a white background). Highlight the cells and change the font color to black or another contrasting color.

5. Issues with Macros

If you’re using Excel macros to automate dummy text creation, you may encounter issues such as macros not running or producing unexpected results.

Solution:

• Enable Macros: Ensure that macros are enabled in your workbook. When opening an Excel file containing macros, you should see a notification asking whether to enable macros. Select “Enable Macros” to activate them.
• Check Macro Code: If the macro is not working correctly, go into the VBA editor (press Alt + F11) and review the code. Look for syntax errors or logic issues, and test the macro step-by-step to identify where it’s failing.
• Assign Macro to Button: If you’re using a button to trigger the macro, double-check that the macro is properly assigned to the button. Right-click the button, select “Assign Macro,” and ensure the correct macro is linked.

6. Difficulty in Removing Dummy Text

Sometimes, after generating dummy text, it can be challenging to remove it from your spreadsheet, especially if it’s been inserted using formulas or macros.

Solution:

• Clear Contents: To remove dummy text without affecting any formatting or other data, select the cells with the dummy text, go to the “Home” tab, click “Clear,” and choose “Clear Contents.”
• Convert to Static Text: If you want to keep the dummy text but stop it from updating every time Excel recalculates, you can convert the formulas into static text. Simply copy the cell containing the formula, then right-click and select “Paste Values” to replace the formula with its current result.

7. Dummy Text Causing Slow Excel Performance

In some cases, particularly when using complex formulas or large amounts of dummy text, Excel may slow down or lag during recalculations.

Solution:

• Limit Formula Usage: Reduce the number of formulas generating random text on the sheet. Consider using static dummy text instead of dynamic formulas where possible.
• Turn Off Automatic Calculation: If you have many formulas, it might help to set Excel’s calculation mode to “Manual” temporarily. This prevents Excel from recalculating every time a change is made. To do this, go to File > Options > Formulas and set “Calculation options” to “Manual.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Creating and using dummy text in Excel can sometimes lead to additional questions. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers to help clarify any uncertainties you might have.

Q1: What is dummy text, and why do I need it in Excel?

A1: Dummy text, often referred to as placeholder text, is used to fill cells in a spreadsheet for design or testing purposes. It’s commonly used in scenarios where actual data is unavailable, allowing you to visualize layouts, formatting, and structure without needing real content. For example, you might use dummy text in a template to see how text-heavy reports will look when complete.

Q2: How do I generate random text in Excel?

A2: You can generate random text in Excel using several formulas. The simplest way is to use the RAND or RANDBETWEEN functions in combination with text generation formulas like CHAR for random characters, or TEXTJOIN to create random words from a predefined list. For example:

excelCopy code=TEXTJOIN(" ", TRUE, INDEX(A1:A5, RANDBETWEEN(1, 5)), INDEX(A1:A5, RANDBETWEEN(1, 5)))

This formula creates a random two-word string by selecting random words from cells A1 to A5.

Q3: How can I create a large block of dummy text for testing?

A3: If you need to create large blocks of dummy text, you can use the RAND function to generate random paragraphs. For example, use the following formula to generate random sentences:

excelCopy code=TEXTJOIN(" ", TRUE, INDEX(A1:A5, RANDBETWEEN(1, 5)), INDEX(A1:A5, RANDBETWEEN(1, 5)), INDEX(A1:A5, RANDBETWEEN(1, 5)))

To simulate larger blocks of text, you can repeat this formula across multiple cells or use Excel’s “Fill Handle” to drag the formula down.

Q4: Can I use Excel macros to automate dummy text creation?

A4: Yes, you can create macros in Excel to automate the insertion of dummy text. By recording or writing a VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) macro, you can generate random placeholder text with a single click. Macros are especially useful if you need to insert dummy text frequently and want to save time. Simply use Excel’s Developer tab to record a macro or write custom VBA code for more flexibility.

Q5: How do I control the length of the dummy text I generate?

A5: You can control the length of the generated dummy text by adjusting your formulas. If you’re using random character formulas, increase or decrease the number of CHAR(RANDBETWEEN(...)) functions in your formula. If you’re generating words, use TEXTJOIN and modify the number of words selected using INDEX or RANDBETWEEN. For example, to generate text with exactly 100 characters, ensure that the formula produces the correct number of characters based on your requirements.

Q6: Why isn’t my random text updating when I recalculate my sheet?

A6: Random text created with functions like RANDBETWEEN or RAND will only update when Excel recalculates the workbook. If you don’t see the text updating as expected, press F9 to force a recalculation or go to File > Options > Formulas and ensure that Excel is set to recalculate formulas automatically.

Q7: How can I format my dummy text to look more realistic?

A7: To make your dummy text appear more realistic, you can adjust font styles, sizes, and colors. Use the “Home” tab in Excel to change the font, size, or color of the text. Additionally, you can apply text alignment (e.g., left, right, or center) and enable text wrapping if the text spans multiple lines. These formatting tools help ensure that the dummy text integrates seamlessly into your spreadsheet design.

Q8: How do I remove dummy text from my Excel sheet?

A8: To remove dummy text from your sheet, you can simply select the cells containing the text and press the Delete key. If the text was created using a formula, you can also use the “Clear Contents” option from the “Home” tab to remove both the formula and the text without affecting the cell formatting.

Q9: Can I create multi-paragraph dummy text in Excel?

A9: Yes, you can create multi-paragraph dummy text in Excel. To simulate multiple paragraphs, simply use the CHAR(10) function, which inserts a line break. For example, the following formula generates two paragraphs of text:

excelCopy code="This is the first paragraph." & CHAR(10) & "This is the second paragraph."

Make sure that text wrapping is enabled for the cell to ensure that the line breaks appear correctly.

Q10: Are there any Excel add-ins that can help generate dummy text?

A10: Yes, there are several Excel add-ins available that can help generate dummy text. One popular tool is the Excel Add-in for Lorem Ipsum, which provides an easy way to generate placeholder text directly within Excel. You can find these add-ins in the Office Add-ins store or by searching online.

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Conclusion

Creating dummy text in Excel is a valuable skill for testing, designing, or formatting spreadsheets without relying on actual data. Whether you’re manually typing text, using formulas, or automating the process with macros, Excel offers several ways to generate realistic placeholder text that can help you visualize your data structure. By following the methods and tips outlined in this article, you’ll be able to create dummy text quickly and efficiently, making your spreadsheets look polished and professional—even when you’re working with temporary content.

This page was last edited on 24 November 2024, at 12:18 pm