How can I create an input mask in Excel?

[Sam]

Hi,

How can I create input masks in Excel similar to ones in Access? I want to
create an input mask for hour and minute entry so that user can enter just
numbers.

Thanks,

Sam

 

[Vasant Nanavati]

Not trivial. You would need to write a macro.

 

[Guest]

Actually, you can do this relatively easily with Data Validation. First select the cells you want to restrict input in, then from the Data menu, select Validation... - under settings, select Allow: Time, and then fill out start and end time etc. Under the other tabs (Input Message and Error Alert) you can make it so an instruction box pops open when they select the cell and/or gives them an explanatory error message when they input invalid data.

 

[Debra Dalgleish]

Chip Pearson has some code that you can use:

http://www.cpearson.com/excel/DateTimeEntry.htm

 

[Debra Dalgleish]

Data validation would ensure that users enter a valid time, but the
request was for a way to enter a number, and have it converted to a
valid time.

For example, type: 1234
and it would be converted to: 12:34

Data validation would display an error message for this entry, instead
of converting it.

 

[Guest]

Ahh... not familiar with the term Input Mask (or Access for that matter . Took it to mean he wanted to restrict certain data (i.e. "mask" all data but time). Should have read the post a little more carefully.