Data Validation 101
The Data Validation feature of OOo Calc is similar to that in Excel. It helps the user control the data that is entered in the spreadsheet where it may be necessary to do so.
With a cell or range of cells selected, the Data Validation dialog can be activated with Data - Validity as shown below.
The Criteria tab allows you to define what type of data can be entered in the selected cells. In this example, we will restrict the data to whole numbers between 1 and 20.
The Input Help tab allows the user to define a message box that appears when the cell is selected.
The Error Alert tab allows the user to define what happens when incorrect data is entered.
Here, we see the Input Help message when the user selects one of the cells of our range.
Here, we see the consequences of ignoring the help message.
