"How To Excel" Mini-Tutorials by TheExcelAddict.com "Helping Average Spreadsheet Users Become Local Spreadsheet Experts" Give Instructions Using Data Validation Here's a neat trick you can use to give instructions to users about a specific cell or range of cells. When they select the cell, you can display a prompt with instructions. Here's how: Select the cells you want to apply the prompt to. From the Data menu, select Validation. Click the Input tab. Make sure the 'Show input message when cell is selected' is checked. In the 'Input message' field, type the message (up to 255 characters) you want users to see when they select the cell. To start a new line in the message, press the Enter key. Optionally, you can enter a Title for the message which will appear in bold at the top of the message. Click OK Now try selecting the cell and you should see a small message box pop up. When you click away from the cell, the message will disappear. Just think about how many ways you can apply this tip. Why not print (CTRL+P) this tip and share it with your friends and associates? Get more time-saving tips just like this one delivered to you by email every week in my FREE newsletter "Spreadsheet Tips From An Excel Addict". Subscribe at the www.TheExcelAddict.com/Newsletter.htm. You'll be amazed how much time you'll save just by learning a few of these tips. Copyright © 2003 All Rights Reserved by Francis Hayes (The Excel Addict)