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Batch Review

Scan the batch proofs table and flag any missing captions, running heads, or folios: mark rows with blank caption, run…

2heights
2tasks
1roles do it

The same job, four prompts

do it · improve it · decide · become
AExecute — “help me do it”Scan the batch proofs table and flag any missing captions, running heads, or folios: mark rows…+
Scan the batch proofs table and flag any missing captions, running heads, or folios: mark rows with blank caption, running head, or folio cells, and add a status column 'Missing' for docketing to pick up.
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.
BImprove — “do it better”Make the flagging actionable for docketing: produce a filtered report grouped by proof and page…+
Make the flagging actionable for docketing: produce a filtered report grouped by proof and page that lists each missing caption, running head, or folio, add conditional formatting so overdue items turn red after two days, and include a direct link to the offending PDF for Carla in docketing.
when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid
The tool
Data Validation

Data Validation in Excel controls what users can enter into a cell, preventing data entry mistakes and ensuring data accuracy.

  1. 1

    Select the cell or cells where you want to apply data validation.

    Best practiceTo ensure data validity, select the column(s) used for data entry.

  2. 2

    Go to the Data tab on the Ribbon.

  3. 3

    In the Data Tools group, select Data Validation.

  4. 4

    On the Settings tab, in the Allow box, select a validation criterion (e.g., List, Whole number).

  5. 5

    If you selected List, in the Source box, type your list values separated by commas, or select a range of cells.

    NoteYou can type entries directly or reference a list from another worksheet.

  6. 6

    Optionally, configure Input Message and Error Alert tabs to guide users and manage invalid entries.

  7. 7

    Click OK to apply the data validation rules to the selected cells.

To quickly find all cells with data validation, go to the Home tab, click Find & Select, then choose Data Validation.

Yes, Data Validation can be automated using VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) to apply rules programmatically.

Glossary

words on this page
Conditional FormattingApplies specific formats to cells automatically when their values meet certain criteria.ExampleCells with sales figures below target automatically turn red, making underperforming regions easy to spot.
Data ValidationA feature that restricts the type or values of data users can enter into a cell, ensuring accuracy.ExampleData validation prevents users from entering text into a cell that should only contain numbers.
Input MessageA message that appears when a user selects a cell, providing guidance on what data to enter.ExampleWhen you click a cell, a small box pops up saying, 'Enter a number between 1 and 10'.
Error AlertA message that appears when a user enters invalid data into a cell, explaining the error.ExampleAn error alert pops up, informing you that the date you entered is outside the allowed range.
Data ToolsA group of features on the Data tab for managing and analyzing data within cells.ExampleYou use Data Tools to remove duplicate entries from your customer list.

The real tasks

1 of them
Quickly flag missing captions, running heads, or folios across a batch of page proofs so docketing catches omissions before print.

Who does this

1 roles
Copy Editor

Questions people ask

honest answers

Because you rarely think 'I want the redaction tool'. You think 'I have to share this without leaking the client's details'. Start from the need, and the feature finds you.

Real. Every job here was drawn from what people in real roles were actually seen doing in Excel — not a feature checklist.

No. Each page gives you a ready prompt you can paste into an AI assistant, plus the plain steps to do it yourself. Start with either — the goal is the finished job, not the tool.