Enter the CF formula this way (in my example):
Select B1
Format Conditional Formatting
from the dropdown list, select Formula Is
then type in the formula in the box next to it.
Select the format, say Format Pattern Red
Click OK
Select B1 Copy
Select A1:F4 Paste Special Formats
If you enter the formula into the formula bar of a cell,
you will destroy your original data
and get a circular reference.