Sharepoint 2013 : List and library essentials - Using list and column validation rules

Being that we’re human, entries are bound to contain formatting errors. A SharePoint 2013 feature uses validation rules to accept or reject the entered information based on defined criteria. Rejected information needs to be corrected by the user before the item can be saved in the list. Validation rules exist on individual columns as well as the list level. SharePoint evaluates column rules before evaluating list level rules.

Validation rules are only available on the following column types: Single Line Of Text, Choice, Number, Currency, and Date/Time.

Add a validation rule to a column

1. On the Library tab, in the Settings group, click Library Settings (or List Settings on the List tab).

   

2. On the Library Settings page, in the Columns section, click a column title.

   

3. Scroll down to Column Validation and click the plus sign (+) icon next to Column Validation to expand the section.

   

   Tip

   For more information on column validation, click the SharePoint Help button (the question mark in the upper-right corner of a site) and then type formula as a search phrase.

4. In the Formula text box, enter a validation formula.

5. In the User Message text box, enter a message to display if the information entered in the field is not valid.

6. Click OK.

   

Add a validation rule to a list

1. On the List tab, in the Settings group, click List Settings.

   

2. On the List Settings page, in the General Settings section, click Validation Settings.

   

3. In the Formula text box, enter a validation formula.

4. In the User Message text box, enter a message to display if the information entered in the field is not valid.

5. Click Save.