If you are one of the kind people who frequently create spreadsheets for others to use, you probably have already conceded that you will have to provide some data entry help to avoid questions about how this spreadsheet works. One of the more common "helps" provided are the familar comments which are activated when the mouse passes over the cell containing a comment. This is quite useful as a means to display a couple of the author's comments prior to entering data in a cell. However, it might become annoying to have pop-up's keep popping up as you move your mouse around a spreadsheet. There is another pretty good alternative if you have room on the spreadsheet.
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Data Entry Cell with a comment |
Pop-Up when mouse passes over the cell. |
Suppose you could add a "comment-like" comment that only pops up when the data entry cell has been selected. This is another choice you should consider if you are prone to want to help the poor data-entry person who needs a little assistance or a reminder of how to get it right.
Let's start with a data entry cell like the example shown here.
The trick is to use the Data Validation wizard to help. Select the appropriate cell and then click on Data + Validation.
This will open the Data Validation Wizard.
You will need to select the Input Message Tab to enter the message you need to add.
Enter your Message (with or without a Title).
Click on OK to set the cell message. When someone actually selects the "hot" cell, your message will pop up for help in entering data.
The comment doesn't appear until the cell is selected - avoiding the pop-up if the mouse just moves over the cell.