What some folks dont realize is that data validation can be used for so much more than creating dropdown lists. For example, you can:
Track upcoming work. You can use the dates option in data validation, and combine it with conditional formatting [see instructions below], to set it up so that anything with a certain dateor past a certain dategets automatically grayed out in your Sheet. This is great if you need to review upcoming work at a glance. Go to Data Validation >
Add custom meanings to checkboxes. Instead of simply adding a checkbox, you can use data validation to automatically mark the checkbox with a value. For example, if you check the box, it could mean yes or if you uncheck a box it could mean no. Go to Data > Data Validation > and select Checkbox under criteria. Choose Use custom cell values under the Criteria option and type in the meaning youd like.
Protect structured data or formulas. You can set the option in data validation to 'Reject input' for invalid entries. This is helpful if youre trying to protect structured data, like formulas or Apps Scripts youre running, from a multitude of editors who may be in your Sheet. Data validation can help you lock down cells so that your custom tools run as expected.
Second, Conditional Formatting...
Conditional formatting is a tool that can help you color-code your spreadsheetslike if you want to auto-assign a color to a cell based on specific criteria.
Building on the project tracker example, lets say you want to remind team members to take action by making anything thats categorized as In progress appear in yellow within your Sheet.
You can select the cell or column you want to assign colors to and go to Format > Conditional Formatting. It will open up a side panel with options.