How to Use WPS Data Validation on Windows

Use WPS Data Validation through 5 how-to topics, all available directly in WPS Spreadsheet; choose a topic from the index and follow the feature path and steps to complete the task.

How-to Index

How-to Guide

1. Set Data Validation

Feature path: Data tab → Validation

1. Select the cells where you want to apply a rule.
2. Click Validation on the Data tab.
3. Choose the allowed input type in the settings window.
4. Set the condition and restriction details as needed.
5. Click OK to apply the rule.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The selected cells now use the new validation rule.
• Next action available: You can enter data and test whether the rule works.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: Opening the settings window before selecting the target cells.
• Environment limit: If the worksheet is protected, you may not be able to edit the rule.

2. Set Input Messages and Error Alerts

Feature path: Data tab → Validation

1. Select the cells where you want to configure the rule.
2. Open the Validation settings window.
3. Enter the input message content as needed.
4. Set the error alert style and message.
5. Click OK to save the settings.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: An input message appears when the cell is selected, and an alert appears when invalid content is entered.
• Next action available: You can continue adjusting the rule or testing input behavior.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: Setting only the restriction rule without adding guidance for collaborators.

3. Use a Drop-Down List to Restrict Input

Feature path: Data tab → Validation

1. Select the cells where you want to create a drop-down selection.
2. Open the Validation settings window.
3. Set the allowed type to a list or the corresponding selectable option mode.
4. Enter or select the source content for the drop-down list.
5. Click OK, then return to the worksheet to check the drop-down arrow.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The target cells show a drop-down selection entry.
• Next action available: You can click the list and enter values from the preset options.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: Incomplete list source content causes missing options.

4. Circle Invalid Data

Feature path: Data tab → Validation drop-down menu → Circle Invalid Data

1. Select the data range you want to check.
2. Open the Data tab.
3. Open the Validation drop-down menu.
4. Click Circle Invalid Data.
5. Review the cells marked as not meeting the rule.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: Cells that do not meet the validation rule are marked.
• Next action available: You can correct the marked values one by one.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: Running the check before any validation rule has been set for the range.

5. Clear Validation Circles

Feature path: Data tab → Validation drop-down menu → Clear Validation Circles

1. Select the range or cells that already contain validation circles.
2. Open the Data tab.
3. Open the Validation drop-down menu.
4. Click Clear Validation Circles.
5. Confirm that the marks are removed and the cell content remains unchanged.

Success Criteria

• Interface result: The invalid-data circles are removed.
• Next action available: You can continue editing data or run the check again.
• No side effect: Clearing the circles does not delete the original cell content.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: Assuming that clearing validation circles also clears the data itself.