This allows you to enter data into a specific cell of a worksheet from a preset list of entries.
Open Sheet1 and typeCookie pop in:into cell D1.
In cells A1 through A4, throw in: Gingerbread, Lemon, Oatmeal Raisin, and Chocolate Chip.
Format these cells however you wish.
It won’t interfere with the functionality of the drop-down list.
Here’s how:
choose the cells you want to use for the drop-down list.
For this example, select cells A1A4 on Sheet2.
Select theName BoxaboveColumn Aand below the Excel menu.
It might say A1 or A4.
Cells A1 through A4 on Sheet2 now have the range name of Cookies.
Named ranges have many uses in Excel.
For example, they make creating formulas and charts easier.
Make the Drop-Down List
Now you’re ready to create the drop-down list.
In this example, the drop-down will appear in cell E1 on Sheet1.
(If you want your drop-down list located elsewhere, go to that cell instead.)
Select theSettingstab in the pop-up.
SelectListfrom the Allow menu.
throw in=Cookiesin theSourcetext box.
A small arrow appears in cell E1 on Sheet1.
Select this arrow to see the list items.
Choose an item in the list to insert the data into the cell.
To delete the drop-down list, select cellE1, reopen theData Validationdialog box, and selectClear All.
For example, if you change Oatmeal Raisin to Shortbread, the drop-down list shows the new entry.
choose the cell with the drop-down list and then selectData>Data Validation>options>List.
Then enter the range of items you want to have appear in the drop-down list under Source.
