limit number of characters in a cell

A

abfabrob

I am creating an application form to be used electronically. I want a
particular cell to be free text, so users can write what they like (ie their
name), but I want to limit the number of characters they can use. Can this be
done?

I have put text wrap on the cell, but it still allows me to enter more
information than fits into the box. I want it to stop users entering info
when the visible cell is full.

Rob,
Teesside,
UK.
 
S

Springbok

abfabrob said:
I am creating an application form to be used electronically. I want a
particular cell to be free text, so users can write what they like (ie their
name), but I want to limit the number of characters they can use. Can this be
done?

I have put text wrap on the cell, but it still allows me to enter more
information than fits into the box. I want it to stop users entering info
when the visible cell is full.

Rob,
Teesside,
UK.
Click to expand...
 
S

Springbok

Hi Abfabrob,

Select the cell(s) you want to limit, let's assume A1 is to be limited to 10
char.

Go to Data -> Validation. Select "Formula" for the type. The formula would
be as follows: =LEN(A1)<=10

You can copy and paste validation to other cells using paste special...

Regards,
Jon
 
S

Springbok

Sorry, another note... Fiddle about with validation and you'll see that there
are other options available too.
 
A

abfabrob

There is no "formula" in the list in the settings tab under data validation.
I am probably doing this wrong! Does it make a difference which version of
Excell I am using? (2000)
 
A

abfabrob

There is no "formula" in the list in the settings tab under data validation.
I am probably doing this wrong! Does it make a difference which version of
Excell I am using? (2000)
 
S

Springbok

Sorry, my mistake, it's "Custom". Xl 2000 definitely has it. Go Data ->
Validation. In the settings tab there's a drop down list under "Allow:"
Within that the final option is "Custom". Once selected a text box appears
below, that's where the formula goes.
 
A

abfabrob

Jon,

It totally worked! Thank you!

Rob.

Springbok said:
Sorry, my mistake, it's "Custom". Xl 2000 definitely has it. Go Data ->
Validation. In the settings tab there's a drop down list under "Allow:"
Within that the final option is "Custom". Once selected a text box appears
below, that's where the formula goes.
Click to expand...
 
L

L. Howard Kittle

Hi Rob,

Another way is to use the Text Length option under Data > Validation >
Settings > Allow > Text Length > Choose the criteria you want > Ok.

HTH
Regards,
Howard
 
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