how do i set up/use drop down list in excel

O

oteixeira

Activate the Forms toolbar. Choose ComboBox from the object and draw it
where you want. Right click it and, in the Control Area, define which
cells contain the list of values that you want to appear in the
combobox. Also define Cell Link, the cell where the chosen value will
be placed.
It's a piece of cake...
 
J

JonR

To do it in a cell drop down, select 'Data' -- 'Data Validation' and in the
"Allow" box choose 'List'. Your source list can be on any sheet in the
workbook. The source list can also take a dynamic named range as input.
 
C

Carolan

I have tried using this and it works great except in my drop-down list I have
three cities. But when I select one of the cities it inserts a number
instead of the city name. Could you please tell me what I'm doing wrong??
Thanks
 
B

Biff

That's how combo boxes work. If you want to continue to use it like that
then you need to use a formula in another cell to convert the number to a
name.

Suppose the 3 cities are (in order) Pittsburgh, Sault Ste. Marie and Merced.
The linked cell is A1.

=INDEX({"Pittsburgh";"Sault Ste. Marie";"Merced"},A1)

Or, you could use a Data Validation drop down list in which case there is no
linked cell and therefore doesn't require a formula. The drop down list is
contained in the cell itself as opposed to the combo box which is an object
and "sits" on top an area. Also, the drop down list is not always visible
like the combo box. It's only activated and becomes visible when the cell
that contains the drop down is selected.

Biff
 
Top