How to automatically unceck a checkbox when anotherone is checked?

UDP

Hello!

So I have 2 checkbox columns, if the second one is checked the first one shouldn't be checked anymore, I tried to add an IF formula to the column specifying that argument but it didn't work.

Paul Newcome

How do the boxes get checked? If they are checked manually, it will delete any formula that is in the cell.

UDP

Yes exactly, they're checked manually, so I think there's no other solution. the problem is that if the user forgets to uncheck the first one after checking the second, it will mess up the calculation!

Paul Newcome

You could add in a helper Text type column and enter the following...

 

=IF(COUNTIFS([First Check Column]@row:[Second Check Column]@row, 1) = 2, "Must uncheck first box  if second box is checked!", "")

 

This will show a blank column next to the checkboxes, but if both boxes are checked, the text within the quotes will appear. You can then couple that with conditional formatting to turn the helper cell Red and Bold and the box that needs unchecked red.

 

Once the box is unchecked, everything will go back to normal.

Andrée Starå

Paul,

Great workaround! 

Best,

Andrée

UDP

Hi Paul,

Thank you so much, this is a great workaround indeed.

It works perfectly! Although the message says just "Uncheck [Column]" to limit the space taken.

Paul Newcome

Thanks. I have used this and other variations of it quite a bit. My personal favorite is when I have a series of checkboxes. I'll use an INDEX/COUNTIFS combo to pull text from the first row based on how many boxes they have checked. Saves from having a huge nested IF with a bunch of quotes when you have 10 or 15 steps that just need checked off.

Paul Newcome

Happy to help. 

 

And no worries on the space thing. My personal preference is something a little longer. I'll then use the wrap text feature. Between the conditional formatting bringing bold text and color to the cell, the wrapped text also makes the row much taller. Just one more way to bring attention to it. Haha

Andrée Starå

Yes, the INDEX/COUNTIFS is  

Paul Newcome

What's really fun is an INDEX/MATCH/MATCH where you have an additional INDEX/MATCH used to pull the data for the first MATCH and another INDEX/MATCH used to pull the data for the second MATCH.

 

(I'm pretty sure I short circuited a few brain cells working on that particular beast. Hahaha)

Andrée Starå

I'm sure you did! I did it just by reading it. Interesting! 

Paul Newcome

I like to be able to dragfill, so I try to write formulas that are as flexible as possible. When you're comparing tables to other tables on different sheets to pull specific data, you have to get a little creative to keep from having to edit a bunch of individual formulas.

 

On the bright side, I have certainly learned a lot. I do remember how many times you've helped me get started too. Between you, Craig, and Mike, there is A TON of knowledge to be found here in the community. It's great! 

Andrée Starå

Yes, I also always try to set it up as "future proof" as possible.

Yes, the Smartsheet Community and the knowledge and willingness to help and share is by far the best I've been a part of professionally.