How to restrict users from keeping cells empty with spaces

Friends!

I hope everyone is great and enjoying life.

So, I have this form where users can fill out cells, as in a form.

Unintentionally, some users type in spaces into cells which makes it difficult for me to use.

I want users to type in names, numbers, or dates into cells, but not type in spaces.

Of course, there are spaces between names and numbers, which is fine with me, but I mean to type in several spaces and then press enter. This also includes typing in spaces before names and numbers.

For example:
This is a correct way to type. (No spaces in the beginning)

Not:
This is not a correct way. (Space before text or beginning.)

Or:
(All spaces, empty)

As you can see the difference of what I mean.

The other thing that bugs me is that not typing in from left cells to right, or simply, left to right. It has to be filled out from first the left cell and then continue to the right cells. Then starts the second row and so on.

Anyways, to make long story short, I have so far restricted users from just typing in anywhere into the form.

What I have done is to start from the top and then continue to the right by using data validation.

However, the issue is with what I have done is that you can type in a text or value then continue where ever you want, even below in the column.

Please see the attached excel file that I have prepared but it is clearly not in accordance of what I am requesting.

Please if you guys can help me out with this, that would greatly appreciated!

Thank you very much in advance.

Another option is: =AND(COUNTIF(A3:$A$3,"")=0,LEN(TRIM(A3))=LEN(A3)), ensure no leading spaces, trailing spaces or double spaces between texts.

=AND(COUNTIF(A3:$A$3,"")=0,LEFT(A3,1)<>" ")

Yes, this works great for the spacing issue, thank you so much!

However, I am still able to start a new row without having to fill out the first row to the end completely.

What I want is for the users to fill out the first row before going onto the second. Then, second row must be completed before starting with the third and so on.

I hope I am making sense.

Otherwise, it looks great!

Try this, =AND(COUNTIF($A$3:A3,"")=0,COUNTIF($A2:$G2,"")=0,LEN(TRIM(A3))=LEN(A3))

Glad to help! Thanks for the Rep!

Originally Posted by josephteh

Try this, =AND(COUNTIF($A$3:A3,"")=0,COUNTIF($A2:$G2,"")=0,LEN(TRIM(A3))=LEN(A3))

I just have one more question, please, if you do not mind, really.

I have added some lists from where the user can select from through data validation.

But, now, I cannot apply this formula because it asks me remove the list first before applying a new formula.

Could you please, please help me out here?

Please!

omg, Yes!

I don't know why it didn't work before.

I am really sorry.

Thank you so much, man!

But sorry for wasting time when I should have just paid a little more attention.

Thanks for the rep, Glenn!