This tutorial will show how to use a basic range-based data validation in LibreOffice Calc using a drop down list.
While accepting data in a Calc sheet, it is possible to provide the user with a choice of items in a form of a drop-down list. Users can select the desired value from the drop-down instead of custom text. This eliminates the possibility of errors, and duplication in the data entry/collection process.
Let’s look at how this can be done using an example.
Table of Contents
Data Validation using Dropdown
- Say we want users to select their favourite fruits in cell B1 from a list of fruits which is F1:F4.
- Select cell B1, and from the menu, select
Data > Validity. - In the Validity window, Criteria tab, select
"Cell Range"againstAllowfield. - Check the
Show selection listandun-checkallow empty cells. - In the source field, click the small Shrink button at the right and select the F1:F4 range.
- Press Ok.
Results
In cell B1, you can see a small down-arrow button. Click the button, and the drop-down will show the list of values from the source range.
Now, you can select a value from the drop-down list.
If the user wants to type a different value in cell B1, the data validation will give an error by default, saying it is an invalid value.
You can also configure the error message for invalid values from the “Error Alert” tab of the validity window.
Wrapping Up
I hope in this guide you learned the basics of data validation in LibreOffice Calc list.