Validation Input Settings

Data validation helps ensure that users enter only allowed values in cells. GridJs provides a full‑featured modal dialog where you can define the rule type, specify the target range, and customize helpful messages and error alerts.

Overview

The Validation Input Settings feature is accessed entirely in the browser. A dedicated Data Validation button on the toolbar (or the context/menubar) opens a modal dialog with three tabs:

1. Criteria – Choose the rule type and define the allowed values/ranges.
2. Input Message – Optional tip shown when the cell is selected.
3. Error Alert – Message displayed when a user tries to enter an invalid value.

All configuration is stored in the sheet model, and the component validates edits automatically.

UI Operations

Opening the Validation Dialog

right‑click a cell (or a selected range) and choose Data Validation…, or use Data → Validation from the menubar.

Criteria Tab

1. In the Allow dropdown, select the rule type (e.g., Whole Number, Decimal, List, Date, etc.).
2. Based on the chosen type, the dialog shows the relevant fields:
   • Value1 and Value2 inputs (each ~70 % width).
   • Operator dropdown (e.g., between, equal to).
   • For List, toggle In‑cell dropdown to display a drop‑down list directly in the grid.
3. To define the target cell range, click the range‑select icon next to Value2.
   

Range‑Selection Page

1. The spreadsheet UI (sheet tabs, footer, context menu) is temporarily hidden and the background is masked.
2. The validation modal moves to the top‑right corner.
3. An input box shows the current range (e.g., A1:B10). Edit it manually or click cells in the grid to pick a range.
4. Click the Return (back‑arrow) button to confirm the selection or cancel to keep the previous range.
   

Input Message Tab

1. Switch Show Input Message on/off.
2. Fill Title and Message fields with the text you want users to see when the cell becomes active.
3. Choose an icon (Stop, Warning, Information) that appears alongside the message.
   

Error Alert Tab

1. Switch Show Error Alert on/off.
2. Pick an Alert Style:
   • Stop – red “X” (blocks the entry).
   • Warning – yellow “!” (allows entry after confirmation).
   • Information – blue “i” (informational only).
3. Provide Title and Error Text that will be displayed when a user violates the rule.
4. Click Apply to save the rule, or Cancel to discard changes.
   

Saving & Applying

• Press Apply on any tab to commit the validation rule to the selected range.
• The rule is now active; any subsequent edit to cells in that range triggers automatic validation.

Tips & Best Practices

• Choose the narrowest rule needed. Using Whole Number with a between operator reduces the chance of accidental invalid entries.
• Enable In‑cell dropdowns for list‑type rules to give users a visual selection list.
• Provide a helpful Input Message – it appears before the user types, reducing validation errors.
• Select the appropriate Error Alert style:
  • Stop for critical data (e.g., IDs).
  • Warning when you want to allow the entry after user confirmation.

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