Drop down lists are one of Microsoft Excel’s most useful functions to use when it comes to organising and making data entries in a concise well arranged manner. Fortunately, they do not require complicated procedures in order to create them. Here’s how you can create a drop down list in Microsoft Excel with just 5 steps:
- Restrictions
When it comes to creating drop down lists in Microsoft Excel, there are unfortunately certain restrictions to take note of. If you have your worksheet protected beforehand with security measures, it may affect your ability to create drop down lists. You may have to remove the protection before being able to create the drop down lists and reapply the security measures once you’ve finished the drop down list.
- Preparation
Input the entries that are to appear in the drop down list in a single column or row, leaving no blank spaces in between. Once the data has been inputted, check to make sure that these are the details you want. When you are ready to create your drop down list, select all the data you have input and right-click. Select ‘Define Name’.
- Name
Input a name for your drop down list to be linked to, preferably something clear cut and straightforward for easy organising. Make sure to exclude spaces between the desired name. Under the dialog box, you will notice that there are options for users to edit the scope, leave comments and set a reference. Select the scope as ‘Worksheet’. Select the cell in which you want to place the drop down list, locate the data tab and select ‘Data Validation’.
- Create
Locate your ‘Settings’ tab and select the ‘List’ option under the ‘Allow’ section. Move on to the ‘Source’ section and type in the name of your list in this format: =Nameofyourlist so that Microsoft Excel knows what to label your drop down list. Make sure to select the ‘In-cell dropdown’ option as that is crucial for your drop down list. If you wish to make a prompt message pop out when the relevant cells are selected, select the ‘Show input message when cell is selected’ option.
- Test
Once you have accomplished the following, you should be able to create a drop down list successfully. Test it out and ensure that everything is functional and experiment with what options Microsoft Excel has made available and see what other alternatives you can come up with!
