Input and error messages

To help people decide what drop-down list option to select, and even to let them know that a cell contains a drop-down list, you can create a message that appears when they select a cell. Or that shows an error message when a drop-down list option isn't selected properly.

Create input and error messages

To help people decide what drop-down list option to select, and even to let them know that a cell contains a drop-down list, you can create a message that appears when they select a cell. You can add the message to all cells that contain the drop-down list, or just the first cell in a column.

1. Select the cells that you want to create a message for, and click Data Validation.

2. On the Input Message tab, check the box next to Show input message when cell is selected.

3. Type a Title if you want. It’ll appear in bold.

4. Type the message in the Input message box. Now, when you click a cell, the message pops up.

Want more?

Create a drop-down list

Add or remove items from a drop-down list

Remove a drop-down list

Lock cells to protect them