Limit Data Entry to Dropdown list

Barry Bowles

I want to restrict data entry to only the selections of the dropdown list.  Is that possible in Smartsheet?

JamesR

John,

 

Unfortunatly this is not the case in Smartsheet.  The reason is the Dropdown is on the column not the cell as in Excel.  Being on the column means that if you need to structure yur sheet with Hierarchy etc then it would be limiting.

Dependent on the length of the dropdown list it may be possible to create a calculation that flaged a cell if there was an entry that is not valied so that you can then see where people have entered unsuitable data.

 

JohnHinkle

I made a quick sheet to show you how James suggestion could work!

 

In the sheet, I added a Checkbox and Test column. There is a formula in each checkbox cell that looks to the list of values in the Test column (same values as the dropdown list) and if the corresponding selected Dropdown List value does not exist in the Text column, the box checks. I have a conditional formatting rule which will highlight the Dropdown List cell red if the box is checked.

 

Once this is set up, you can hide the Checkbox and Test columns.

 

Here's the sheet:

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/publish?EQBCT=5a79708ff11b498290915bce88726c61

Barry Bowles

Thank you James and John!  

 

That is great information.  The example was very helpful, John.  Just wish that Smartsheet could validate its data with a bit more finesse.  

 

Cheers

JamesR

John,

One other thing, if you have a form for data entry then I believe you will find that it is limited to what is in the dropdown. you cannot type anything else into the form, you can also make it a required field.

 

Bear in mind though once the record is in then it can be changed to what ever you like.

Barry Bowles

James,

 

I see what you mean.  

 

Thanks so much!!!!!