Introduction

Validation messages are a great way to let users know if they have filled the field incorrectly. They should describe the expected value or pattern for the field.

WPForms lets you set validation messages for different fields globally. So, if you set a validation text, it will be global for all the forms. This may look convenient at first, but it is a limitation for most.

The same validation message for every form isn’t the best approach as some forms may require separate messages.

In this guide, I will show you how to set specific/different validation messages for each form without writing a single line of code.

Steps to Custom Validation Message for Each WPForm

To set a unique validation message for each form follow the steps below:

• Install and activate the PowerUp addon for WPForms.
• Now, from your WordPress dashboard, navigate to WPForms -> Ultimate Kit.
• Select the form for which you want to set a new validation message.
• No,w go to the Power-Ups panel and click on the settings button of the ‘Form Validation Messages’ power-up.
• Here you can set the error messages for the following validation conditions
  • Required: Shows when a required field is not filled.
  • Email: Shows when a user enters the wrong email address.
  • Email Suggestion: This shows when a user enters a misspelled email address.
  • Email Restricted: Shows when the email ID is not allowed.
  • Number: This shows when a user enters an invalid number.
  • Number Positive: This shows when the field requires a positive number.
  • Minimum Price: This shows when the amount entered is less than the required minimum.
  • Confirm Value: This shows when the field values do not match.
  • Input mask Incomplete: When the filled field isn’t in the required format.
  • Checkbox Selection Limit: When the user selects more than the allowed checkboxes.
  • Character Limit: When the user enters more than the allowed characters in the field.
  • Word Limit: When the user enters more than the allowed words in the field.
  • Payment Required: When a user doesn’t enter payment details.
  • Credit Card: When the entered credit details are incorrect.
  • Website URL: This shows when the entered web URL is not in the correct format.
  • Phone: When the entered phone number is not in a valid format.
  • File Extension: File extension is not allowed.
  • File Size: When the uploaded file exceeds the permitted size.
  • Time ( 12 Hours ): The entered time is not in a valid 12-hour format.
  • Time (24-hour ): The entered time is not in a valid 24-hour format.
  • Limit Hours: Entered hours are outside of permitted hours.
  • File Upload Total Size: UPloaded total file size is more than the allowed size.
• If you leave any of these empty, then it will automatically take the value of the global validation message.
• After setting up the error message, click on the Save button to make your changes live.

Example Use Case

Let’s assume you have a form that has a password and a confirm password field. In case the passwords don’t match, then it will show the following error message by default.

“Field values do not match”.

The above message is very generic. Instead, with the custom validation message powerup, you can make something more specific and useful.

“Your passwords don’t match. Please re-enter the same password to continue.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will this code work for multiple forms?

Yes, it will work fine for multiple forms. You can set separate validation messages for each form individually.

2. Does this affect WPForms’ global validation messages?

No, this customization applies only to the specific form(s) you target.

3. What if I leave a specific validation message empty?

In case you leave a specific validation message empty, then it will take its value from the global validation message.

Conclusion

Form conversion is a combination of a lot of useful features, like design and ease of use. If you have specific and informative error messages, then it will surely help users easily find them. Specific form validation messages are a step in the same direction. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment, and I will get back to you.