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Excel - Excel Tips: How to Create Helpful Tooltips with Data Validation - Episode 382

294 views · Published 20 October 2009 · 2:00 · Indexed 20 September 2026

Channel: MrExcel.com · 2009 · Education

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Microsoft Excel Tutorial: Excel Tips: How to Create Helpful Tooltips with Data Validation.

Welcome to another MrExcel netcast! In this video, we're going to dive into some advanced cell tips using Excel 382. Last week, we learned about using Data Validation to create drop-down lists and restrict data entry. But did you know that Data Validation has another amazing feature that can make your worksheets even more user-friendly?

One of our viewers shared a worksheet with me that had tooltips popping up as they selected different cells. I was blown away and immediately wanted to know how they did it. Turns out, it's all thanks to the Input Message tab in Data Validation. By providing a title and explanation for the cell, you can create helpful tooltips that appear when the cell is selected.

This is a great tool to use when sharing a worksheet with someone who may not be familiar with the data or calculations. As they select each cell, a tooltip will pop up with your message, providing context-sensitive help and making the spreadsheet easier to navigate. It's a clever way to use a feature that is typically used for restricting data entry.

So if you want to take your Excel skills to the next level, be sure to check out this video and learn how to use Data Validation to create helpful tooltips. And don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more Excel tips and tricks. Thanks for watching and we'll see you in the next netcast from MrExcel!"

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Table of Contents:
(00:00) Introduction to Data Validation and its uses
(00:17) Creating drop-down lists with Data Validation
(00:27) Using tooltips for helpful information
(00:40) Accessing the Data Validation tabs
(00:50) Adjusting settings for input messages
(01:00) Adding titles and explanations for input messages
(01:10) Context-sensitive help with tooltips
(01:23) Using Data Validation for providing helpful information
(01:33) Creative use of Data Validation for providing context-sensitive help
(01:43) Clicking Like really helps the algorithm

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Add a tooltip to each cell in your worksheet that you expect someone to enter a value. This provides great context-sensitive help as someone tries to use your worksheet. Episode 382 shows you how.

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