In a protected worksheet users can still click on checkbox and option button controls. A warning message will pop up if the control’s linked cells are locked. There is a technique you can use to stop users clicking on these controls. This involves a macro that you can run just before you protect the sheet.
Tag Archives: controls
One Minute to Excel #13 – Create and Use a Check Box
Tick it to the next level
A check box is an easy interface to create and use.
See how to add one to a sheet and use it in a calculation.
Free Webinar Recording – Interactive Excel Chart
Feedback score 93.7% based on 58 responses
In September 2019 I re-ran my very first webinar that was based on an August 2012 INTHEBLACK feature article. I have provided a detailed pdf manual and example files which you can download at the link below.
This session covers
- using controls with charts to make the user experience easier
- tips for using controls on spreadsheets
- flexible formula techniques to make reports more dynamic
- a technique to stop figures plotting on charts
- using range names with controls and reports
- general charting tips
CPD note – if you are claiming CPD for watching this recording you need to keep your own records. People who attend the live sessions receive an annual listing of attendances.
Linking sheet controls to cells
Easy and quick way
Most spreadsheet controls need to link to a cell to enable interaction with the spreadsheet. There is an easy way to do that.
Controlling a Conditional Format with a Checkbox
Turn it off and on
Here is a technique that allows you to turn off and turn on the conditional format without actually removing the conditional format. You may want to do this to print a sheet without the conditional formats being applied.
Validating Checkbox Linked Cells
Data Validation and formula options
When you create a checkbox you need to link it to a cell on a sheet to be able to use its result. The user could overwrite that linked cell with a value or text and affect formulas that are using the checkbox linked cell. You can add a validation to make sure the linked cell only contains TRUE or FALSE.
Running an Excel Macro from a Graphic
Its easy to set up
These days running a macro off a control button seems to be old school and many people have started running macros off graphics.
Excel’s writing skills
Tick and create
Excel is great with numbers but what about sentences? Check out this example of how you can create a paragraph builder. The user ticks boxes to select sentences to include in a paragraph.
How and why you should use Check Boxes in Excel
Make it stick with a tick
Check boxes make selections easy. Excel has a number of useful controls that can be added to sheets to improve the user interface. These include check boxes (tick boxes), option buttons and spinner controls.