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Drupal Validation Error on Collapsed Paragraph: Causes & Fixes

by | Mar 26, 2025

Learn how to fix Drupal validation errors on collapsed paragraphs. Our Drupal Support team is here to help you with your questions and concerns.

Drupal Validation Error on Collapsed Paragraph: Causes & Fixes

Drupal Validation Error on Collapsed Paragraph: Causes & FixesDrupal’s “collapsed paragraph validation error” is a frequent issue caused by unfilled required fields in collapsed paragraphs during content saving. This can prevent content from being saved and disrupt the user experience.

According to our experts, this error occurs when Drupal fails to validate required fields within a paragraph, causing the paragraph to collapse. Drupal throws a validation error if users attempt to save a form without filling out these fields.

Some of the error messages look like this:

This entity cannot be referenced.


Required fields must be filled out before saving.

Today, we will look at how to resolve this error.

Impacts of the Error

  • Users may become frustrated if they cannot save their work.
  • Missing required fields can lead to display or functionality issues.
  • Users may need to re-enter information, slowing down content creation.

Causes and Fixes

1. Unselected Paragraph Types

The paragraph type is not selected in the “Reference type” section of the entity reference field.

Click here for the Solution.
  1. To begin with, head to Structure > Content types in the Drupal admin panel.
  2. Then, select the relevant content type and go to Manage fields.
  3. Locate the paragraph entity reference field and click Edit.
  4. Now, ensure the necessary paragraph types are selected in the “Reference type” section.
  5. Save the changes and test by attempting to save content again.

2. Required Fields Not Filled

Collapsed paragraphs contain required fields that are not completed before saving.

Click here for the Solution.
  1. First, expand all collapsed paragraphs to make required fields visible.
  2. Then, fill out all fields marked with an asterisk (*).
  3. Save the content item again.

3. JavaScript Issues

JavaScript is disabled or blocked, preventing proper validation.

Click here for the Solution.
  1. First, ensure that JavaScript is enabled in your browser settings.
  2. Then, disable any extensions that may interfere with JavaScript (e.g., ad blockers).
  3. Refresh the page and try saving again.

4. Form Validation Configuration

Custom validation rules may interfere with standard validation behavior.

Click here for the Solution.
  1. To begin with, review any custom modules or themes that modify form validation.
  2. Then, check for hooks like `hook_form_alter()` or `hook_form_FORM_ID_alter()` that may be affecting validation.
  3. Adjust or remove conflicting rules and test saving the content again.

5. Caching Problems

Cached form states may cause outdated validation data to be used.

Click here for the Solution.
  1. First, clear Drupal’s cache via Configuration > Performance > Clear all caches.
  2. Alternatively, use the Drush command: `drush cr`.
  3. Then, try saving the content item again.

6. Nested Paragraphs Not Validated

Validation errors occur when parent paragraphs are collapsed, preventing nested fields from being checked.

Click here for the Solution.
  1. First, ensure nested paragraphs are configured correctly within their parent settings.
  2. Then, expand all parent paragraphs before saving.
  3. If needed, implement custom validation using `hook_form_FORM_ID_alter()` to ensure nested fields validate correctly.

7. Field Configuration Errors

Incorrect field settings or misconfigurations in paragraph fields.

Click here for the Solution.
  1. First, head to Structure > Content types > Manage fields.
  2. Then, review the paragraph field settings for required fields and allowed values.
  3. Adjust settings as necessary and save changes.

Prevention Strategies

  • Regularly review forms and configurations to ensure required fields are correctly set up.
  • Update Drupal core and modules to fix form validation bugs.
  • Test form interactions during development, particularly with collapsed elements.
  • Educate users on filling required fields before collapsing paragraphs, using UI hints or help texts.

[Need assistance with a different issue? Our team is available 24/7.]

Conclusion

By following the above troubleshooting steps and prevention strategies, we can minimize collapsed paragraph validation errors in Drupal.

In brief, our Support Experts demonstrated how to fix Drupal validation errors on collapsed paragraphs.

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