Change the Yellow Data Validation Input Message in Excel
Question details
Change the yellow instruction pop-up that appears when a user selects a cell with an Excel data validation rule.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- The user wants to revise the title or instructional text displayed for a validated cell.
- Observed behavior
- A yellow input message appears when the cell is selected, and its existing text needs to be edited.
Select the cell that displays the yellow message before opening Data Validation. If several cells use the same validation rule, select the intended range first so you update the correct rule.
Edit the input message in Excel Data Validation
Use this method to change the yellow title and instruction displayed when a validated cell is selected.
The yellow pop-up is an Input Message attached to the cell's data validation rule. It is separate from the Error Alert shown after invalid data is entered.
Click the cell that shows the yellow instruction message when selected.
On the Excel ribbon, select the Data tab, then choose Data Validation in the Data Tools group.
In the Data Validation dialog box, select the Input Message tab.
Update the Title and Input message fields. Keep the Show input message when cell is selected option enabled if you want the yellow message to continue appearing.
Click OK, then select the cell again to confirm that the revised yellow input message appears.
Change a Data Validation Input Message with WPS Spreadsheet
WPS Spreadsheet lets you create and manage data validation rules, including the guidance shown to users when they select a restricted-entry cell. Open the cell's validation settings and revise its input prompt to make worksheet instructions clearer.
- 1. Open the workbook in WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office, open the Excel workbook, and select the worksheet containing the validated cell.
- 2. Select the validated cell: Click the cell or select the range whose input guidance you want to change.
- 3. Open Data Validation: Go to the Data tab and choose Data Validation to open the rule settings.
- 4. Revise the input prompt: Open the Input Message section or tab, edit the title and message text, and ensure the prompt is enabled.
- 5. Save the workbook: Click OK to apply the rule, then use Menu > Save to retain the updated .xlsx or .xls workbook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the yellow message different from the invalid-entry warning in Excel?
The yellow message is the Input Message shown when a cell is selected. The warning shown after invalid data is entered is configured separately on the Data Validation dialog box's Error Alert tab.
How do I stop the yellow data validation message from appearing?
Select the cell, go to Data > Data Validation > Input Message, clear Show input message when cell is selected, and click OK.
Can I change the input message for multiple Excel cells at once?
Yes. Select the cells that share the validation rule, open Data > Data Validation > Input Message, revise the text, and click OK. The selected cells must be eligible for the same validation setting.
Can I keep the validation rule but remove only the message title?
Yes. In Data > Data Validation > Input Message, delete the Title field while leaving the input message and the show-message option enabled, then click OK.
Will the data validation input message remain after saving as an XLSX file?
Yes. Input messages are normally retained when you save the workbook in Excel Workbook (*.xlsx) format, provided the validation rule is preserved.
