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How to Disable Data Validation for Formulas

Learn how to disable data validation so you can enter formulas in cells that normally only accept specific values.

The Problem​

Some cobby cells only accept certain values (like "In Stock" or "Out of Stock" for Availability). When you try to enter a formula, you get an error:

When to Use This​

Disable data validation when you need to:

  • Use formulas in restricted cells
  • Calculate values dynamically
  • Import data from other sources
  • Apply custom logic to dropdown fields

Step-by-Step: Disable Validation​

Step 1: Select the Cell​

Click the cell where you want to enter a formula (e.g., Availability column).

Step 2: Open Data Validation​

Go to the Data tab and click Data Validation.

Step 3: Disable Error Messages​

In the Data Validation dialog:

  1. Go to the Error Alert tab
  2. Uncheck "Show error alert after invalid data is entered"
  3. Click OK

Now you can enter formulas without getting error messages.

Optional: Apply to All Similar Cells​

If you want to disable validation for all cells with the same rules:

Step 1: Open Settings Tab​

In the Data Validation dialog, go to the Settings tab.

Step 2: Apply to All​

Check the box: "Apply these changes to all other cells with the same settings"

Step 3: Confirm​

Click OK to apply to all similar cells in the workbook.

Example: Dynamic Availability​

Set availability based on stock level:

=IF([@Stock]>0;"In Stock";"Out of Stock")

With validation disabled, this formula works and returns the correct dropdown value.

Common Use Cases​

Calculate Visibility​

=IF([@Price]>0;"Catalog, Search";"Not Visible Individually")

Sets visibility based on whether a price exists.

Set Status​

=IF([@Stock]>0;"Enabled";"Disabled")

Automatically enables/disables products based on stock.

Tax Class​

=IF([@Category]="Books";"Zero Rate";"Standard Rate")

Assigns tax class based on category.

Conditional Dropdowns​

=IF([@Type]="simple";[@[Simple Value]];[@[Configurable Value]])

Uses different values for different product types.

What Data Validation Does​

Data validation:

  • Restricts input to specific values
  • Shows dropdown lists
  • Prevents typos and errors
  • Ensures data consistency

When disabled:

  • You can enter any value (including formulas)
  • Dropdowns still appear and work
  • No error messages for non-standard values
  • More flexibility but less protection

Re-enabling Data Validation​

To restore validation:

Step 1: Open Data Validation​

Select the cell and go to Data > Data Validation.

Step 2: Enable Error Alert​

  1. Go to the Error Alert tab
  2. Check "Show error alert after invalid data is entered"
  3. Set error style (Stop, Warning, or Information)
  4. Click OK

Tips​

  • Disable only when needed: Keep validation active for data quality
  • Document changes: Note which cells have disabled validation
  • Test formulas: Ensure formula results match allowed values
  • Use with IF: Create formulas that return valid dropdown values
  • Apply to all: Use "Apply to all" option to save time

Troubleshooting​

Still getting error?

  • Make sure you unchecked "Show error alert"
  • Click OK to save changes
  • Try closing and reopening the data validation dialog

Formula returns invalid value?

  • Even with validation disabled, cobby may reject invalid values when saving
  • Ensure your formula returns values that Magento accepts
  • Use dropdown values like "In Stock", "Enabled", etc.

Can't find Data Validation?

  • Look in the Data ribbon tab
  • Make sure the cell is selected
  • Not all cells have validation

Applied to wrong cells?

  • Undo with Ctrl+Z
  • Reapply validation to restore original rules
  • Be careful with "Apply to all" option

Best Practices​

Return Valid Values​

Even with validation disabled, return values that match the dropdown options:

Good:

=IF([@Stock]>0;"In Stock";"Out of Stock")

Bad:

=IF([@Stock]>0;"Available";"Not Available")

Use Dropdown Values​

Check what values the dropdown expects:

  1. Click the cell without formulas
  2. Open the dropdown
  3. Note the exact values
  4. Use these in your formulas

Test Before Saving​

  1. Apply formula to a few products
  2. Verify the results
  3. Click "Save products"
  4. Check in your store that values are correct

Alternative: Paste Values​

If you only need to disable validation temporarily:

  1. Calculate values in a helper column
  2. Copy the results
  3. Paste as values into the validated column
  4. Delete the helper column

This bypasses validation without disabling it.

  • Formulas in cobby: Enable formula calculations (coming soon)
  • Data validation: Understanding Excel's validation feature
  • IF function: Create conditional logic (coming soon)