- In short
- Highlight Data Validation Cells colors the cells in your selection that actually have a validation rule defined. The decision is based on whether a validation rule exists on the cell; whether the cell holds a number or text is irrelevant. Rules, lists and cell contents stay unchanged; only a fill color is applied, and Undo Last removes it.
What it is for
You cannot tell from the outside which cells of a sheet carry a dropdown or an input rule. This tool marks the cells that have a validation rule defined, revealing the rule map of forms and templates.
When to use it
Most useful when you need to none.
Example scenarios
- None.
What it needs
A range. Supported data types: text, number, date (by selection).
How to use it
- Select the range to scan.
- Run Highlight Data Validation Cells from the Formula Audit group on the XLMind Plus tab.
- The colored cells are bound to a validation rule; the rule details remain visible in Excel's Data Validation window.
What it produces
Colored validated cells.
Effect on your data and undo
Highlight Data Validation Cells writes the result over the cells you selected. If it is not what you wanted, Undo Last restores the previous state.
How it differs from similar tools
It applies a one-off, lasting mark without setting up conditional formatting rules; there is nothing to maintain and one step undoes it.
Good to know
The check is driven by the actual validation rule on the cell; the content type has no effect. The rule itself is never modified.
Limitations
No special preconditions.
Frequently asked questions
- Which cells get marked?
- The ones that truly have a validation rule defined. Whether the cell contains a number or text plays no part.
- Are the validation rules changed?
- No. Rules, dropdown lists and existing entries stay as they are; only a color is applied.
- Can I see what the rule says?
- The color only shows where rules live; the details stay in Excel's Data Validation window.
- How do I clear the color?
- Undo Last removes the applied highlight in one step.
Works well with
- To build image-assisted validation lists, use Image Validation
- To also see cells carrying conditional formats, use Highlight Conditional Formatting Cells
- To audit the protection state of form sheets, use Sheet Protection Summary
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