If you wish to restrict the data that a user enters into a cell or ensure that typos are kept to a minimum, you can create a drop-down list. When using a drop-down list, the data that can be entered into a cell is restricted to a predefined list of values.
When entering your initial list, you may wish to type in the values in a column that is outside of the spreadsheet area, such as column Z, AA, etc. I usually will then hide my data column from view after creating my drop-down list by using the Hide feature.
To create a drop-down list in Excel:
- Enter a list of values in your spreadsheet. Use one cell for each value.
- Select the list of values and then type in a name for the Range in the Name box and then press Return.
- Click in the cell where you want your drop-down list to appear. This typically will be in a different column than your data values.
- Click the Data tab on the Ribbon.
- Click the Data Validation in the Data Tools group.
- If necessary, click the Settings tab.
- Click the Allow: drop-down list and choose “List” from the menu.
- In the Source box, type in an Equal (=) sign and then type in the range name that you established in step 2.
- Click OK.
- To hide your data column from view, right-click on the column and choose Hide from the contextual menu.
Similar Posts:
- Using Data Validation in Excel 2007
- Creating a Table in Excel
- Transpose Rows and Columns in Excel
- Modifying Workbook Elements in Excel 2007
- Changing Case in Excel using the Proper function
- Using the AutoSum Button in Excel
- Showing or Hiding Workbook Elements in Excel 2007
