Mandatory text to activate checkbox

brenttopa

I have a "Notes" column that requires text before the checkbox under "Req Attn" will be checked, kicking off conditional formatting in other columns.

 

I found this thread and tried to implement the suggested solution:

https://community.smartsheet.com/discussion/formula-help-if-cell-blank-checkmark-cannot-be-checked

 

I created a third column, "WrongOrder1", and then this formula:

 

=IF(AND(ISBLANK(Notes3), [Req Attn]3 = 1), 1, 0)

 

However, entering text under "Notes" does not check the box.  I can check the box and the corresponding checkbox will become checked, if that helps.

Mike Wilday

It sounds like you may want to use NOT(Isblank(Notes3)),

=IF(AND(NOT(ISBLANK(Notes3)), [Req Attn]3 = 1), 1, 0)

brenttopa

Hmmm that didn't seem to work.

brenttopa

This one seemed to work when inserted in the checkbox column:

 

=IF(NOT(ISBLANK([Notes]3)), 1, 0)

Mike Wilday

When you tried my other formula, did you ensure the Req column was checked too? 

brenttopa

I don't believe the Req column checked itself with your formula.  However, I think I didn't do a good job explaining.

 

I need a way to prevent staff from checking the "Req Attn" column without text in the "Notes" column.  They are permitted to mark rows that require attention but it is mandatory that they provide notese before they can mark the row.

 

The formula that I posted in reply checks the "Req Attn" column any time text is entered.  So that only halfway works. 

Andrée Starå

Hi Brent,

Unfortunately, it's not possible at the moment to make any field mandatory in the sheet, but it's a great idea!

Please submit an Enhancement Request when you have a moment.

As a workaround, you could add formulas to show a message that they need to add notes before they can check the "Req Attn" checkbox. Another option could be to have automation trigger an Update Request or Alert to the user that they have to fill in the information.

Would that work?

Hope that helps!

Have a fantastic day!

Best,

Andrée Starå

Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

brenttopa

Yessir, I can do that right now.  Thank you for the suggestion!

Andrée Starå

Excellent!

Happy to help!