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Excel - Enhancing Excel Data Validation: Custom Error Messages & Input Tooltips - Episode 380

532 views · Published 20 October 2009 · 2:05 · Indexed 20 September 2026

Channel: MrExcel.com · 2009 · Education

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Microsoft Excel Tutorial - Enhancing Excel Data Validation: Custom Error Messages & Input Tooltips.

Welcome back to another MrExcel netcast! In this video, we'll be diving into the world of Data Validation and how it can be used to set up a drop-down list right on your worksheet. If you've been following along with our previous netcasts, you'll know that we've already covered the first tab, the Settings tab, where we changed the validation to be a list and specified where our list is located.

But did you know that there are two other tabs in the Data Validation window that can greatly enhance the user experience? The Error Alert tab allows you to control what happens when an invalid value is entered. Instead of a generic error message, you can guide the user with a specific title and message. For example, you can prompt them to "Please Select From the List" and provide a helpful message such as "When choosing a district, make sure to select from the provided list."

The second tab, Input Message, allows you to add a tooltip that pops up when the user selects the cell. This can be used to give them further instructions, such as "Use the dropdown arrow to see a valid list of districts." By utilizing these two tabs, your validation becomes much more user-friendly and informative.

Not only will the user receive a helpful tooltip when selecting the cell, but they will also be presented with a customized error message if they try to enter an invalid value. This is a great way to ensure that your data remains accurate and consistent. Thanks for tuning in to this netcast, and be sure to check out our other videos for more Excel tips and tricks!

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Table of Contents:
(00:00) Introduction to Data Validation
(00:18) Setting up a Drop-Down List
(00:28) Exploring the Settings Tab
(00:38) Using the Error Alert Tab
(01:09) Adding an Input Message
(01:26) Enhancing Validation with Input and Error Messages
(01:36) Benefits of Using Input and Error Messages
(01:46) Clicking Like really helps the algorithm

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When you set up a validation dropdown, Excel won't let someone enter an invalid value. Add some text to guide the person using the spreadsheet. Episode 380 shows you how.

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