Office Settings & Configuration

What Is the Excel Data Validation Input Message Pop-Up and How to Create It

Partner Editor Oct 10, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to identify the name of an outlined pop-up box that appears when clicking a cell in Excel, and learn how to create it.

How to Create an Excel Data Validation Input Message

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Adding instructions, prompts, or form controls to specific cells to guide data entry.
Observed behavior: An outlined text box or interactive control automatically pops up whenever a user selects a designated cell.

Before you start

Before setting up an input message, identify the specific cells where you want to provide instructions so you can accurately apply the data validation rules.

Solution 1Recommended

Create a Data Validation Input Message

Use the built-in Data Validation feature to display a helpful tooltip or instruction when a user clicks on a cell.

The standard outlined pop-up box containing text instructions is called an Input Message. It is tied to the Data Validation feature and is highly useful for guiding users on what data to enter into specific cells.

Select the target cell

Click on the cell or range of cells in your worksheet where you want the pop-up message to appear.

Open Data Validation

Navigate to the Data tab on the top ribbon and click on Data Validation.

Configure the Input Message

In the Data Validation dialog box, click on the Input Message tab. Ensure the 'Show input message when cell is selected' box is checked.

Enter your message

Type a Title and an Input message into the respective text fields, then click OK to apply.

Message Configured: Clicking the configured cell will now display the custom pop-up message instantly.

Solution 2

Insert a Combo Box or List Box (Form Controls)

If the pop-up includes clickable options or a dropdown menu, it is likely a form control rather than a simple text message.

Seamless Spreadsheet Management

Create Cell Input Messages Easily with WPS Spreadsheets

WPS Spreadsheets provides a highly intuitive way to manage data validation. You can easily set up input messages to guide data entry, restrict invalid inputs, and maintain accurate records—all fully compatible with Microsoft Excel.

1. Open your file in WPS Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Office and open your workbook. Click to highlight the cell where you want the pop-up instruction.
2. Access Data Validation: Click on the Data tab located on the top ribbon, then select the Validation icon.
3. Set up the Input Message: Switch to the Input Message tab in the pop-up dialog box.
4. Apply your settings: Type your desired Title and Message text, ensure the display checkbox is ticked, and click OK.

Free and lightweight spreadsheet softwareFully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) file formatsIntuitive Data Validation menu for creating custom cell pop-upsFamiliar user interface requiring zero learning curve

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I remove or turn off the data validation pop-up message?

Select the cell displaying the pop-up, go to the Data tab, and click Data Validation. Navigate to the Input Message tab, uncheck the 'Show input message when cell is selected' box, or click 'Clear All', and then hit OK.

Why isn't my input message showing up when I click the cell?

Ensure that the correct cell is selected and that the 'Show input message when cell is selected' option is checked within the Data Validation dialog box settings.

Can I add a dropdown list along with the input message?

Yes. In the Data Validation dialog box, go to the Settings tab and change the Allow dropdown to 'List' to specify your options. Then, switch to the Input Message tab to add your explanatory text. Both will appear when the cell is selected.

Office App Problems