Validating cells

Data validators can be applied to ranges of cells but are not enforced or evaluated. Ranges do not have to be contiguous: eg. “A1 B2:B5” is contains A1 and the cells B2 to B5 but not A2 or B2.

Examples

>>> from openpyxl import Workbook
>>> from openpyxl.worksheet.datavalidation import DataValidation
>>>
>>> # Create the workbook and worksheet we'll be working with
>>> wb = Workbook()
>>> ws = wb.active
>>>
>>> # Create a data-validation object with list validation
>>> dv = DataValidation(type="list", formula1='"Dog,Cat,Bat"', allow_blank=True)
>>>
>>> # Optionally set a custom error message
>>> dv.error ='Your entry is not in the list'
>>> dv.errorTitle = 'Invalid Entry'
>>>
>>> # Optionally set a custom prompt message
>>> dv.prompt = 'Please select from the list'
>>> dv.promptTitle = 'List Selection'
>>>
>>> # Add the data-validation object to the worksheet
>>> ws.add_data_validation(dv)

>>> # Create some cells, and add them to the data-validation object
>>> c1 = ws["A1"]
>>> c1.value = "Dog"
>>> dv.add(c1)
>>> c2 = ws["A2"]
>>> c2.value = "An invalid value"
>>> dv.add(c2)
>>>
>>> # Or, apply the validation to a range of cells
>>> dv.add('B1:B1048576') # This is the same as for the whole of column B
>>>
>>> # Check with a cell is in the validator
>>> "B4" in dv
True

Note

Validations without any cell ranges will be ignored when saving a workbook.

Note

Excel and LibreOffice interpret the parameter showDropDown=True as the dropdown arrow should be hidden.

Other validation examples

Any whole number:

dv = DataValidation(type="whole")

Any whole number above 100:

dv = DataValidation(type="whole",
                    operator="greaterThan",
                    formula1=100)

Any decimal number:

dv = DataValidation(type="decimal")

Any decimal number between 0 and 1:

dv = DataValidation(type="decimal",
                    operator="between",
                    formula1=0,
                    formula2=1)

Any date:

dv = DataValidation(type="date")

or time:

dv = DataValidation(type="time")

Any string at most 15 characters:

dv = DataValidation(type="textLength",
                    operator="lessThanOrEqual"),
                    formula1=15)

Cell range validation:

from openpyxl.utils import quote_sheetname
dv = DataValidation(type="list",
                    formula1="{0}!$B$1:$B$10".format(quote_sheetname(sheetname))
                    )

Custom rule:

dv = DataValidation(type="custom",
                    formula1"=SOMEFORMULA")

Note

See http://www.contextures.com/xlDataVal07.html for custom rules