Defining the data allowed in a column

[justjlc]

I want to be able to define the data that is allow in the cells of a specific column. For example:

in column "C" (all the way down) I only want them to be able to use "Smith" or "Jones" or "Doe"

in column "D" (all the way down) I only want them to be able to use red or green or blue.

 

[Damon Ostrander]

Hi justjlc,

This functionality is provided by data validation using a list. For example, to validate column C as you described, simply select column C, go to menu Data > Validation. In the Allow dropdown select List. In the Source refedit box enter "Smith,Jones,Doe" (without the quotes). I suggest you then go to the Error tab and enter a message that you want to pop up if a user tries to enter something not in the list. Click OK and you're done.

Damon

 

[KenWright]

Note though that DV is easily bypassed by copying and pasting from another cell not controlled by DV.