How to add drop-down list to Excel worksheet?

[twyladawn]

I am creating a worksheet for gathering metrics and I want to include drop-lists for my users to choose from. How is this done? I am not able to find out how to do it in "Excel Help", nor have I seen the topic in any recent posts. thanks.

[IML]

A drop down list can be achieved by selecting validation from the data menu. Use the list option. Be aware that this will prevent a user from typing a value other than your drop down list, but I user can use the paste function to put in any value. good luck

[sykes]

Hi.

Select the sheet on which you wish to have your drop down boxes.
Go to view, toolbars, and select the forms toolbar.
On this toolbar you'll find several dropdowns, buttons etc etc.
Click on the one you want, then with the mouse, draw on the worksheet where you want the box to be ( you can change the size / move it around later).
When you want to fill the dropdown with selectable data, right click on the box's window and select format control.
Click into the "input range" window to put the insertion point there, then go to the sheet where your data is, and with the mouse, select the range of data you wish to appear in the box.
You'll also see that you can select how many drop down lines are visible when your user selects the down arrow on the box.
Finally, ok it and you're there.

The other thing to consider is designing a proper "window" interface that the user is presented with to input their data.
If you're running an older excel version this is called a dialog sheet. On newer versions it's a userform.
There's much more work to do on them, but they give you a much more "professional" look to your work, and allow more options in the use of macro's etc. etc. If you've got the luxury of time on your side, open up a new worksheet, and have a play with them - they can be great fun, and a good platform to learn more about the power of excel etc etc.

Good luck

Sykes

PS don't forget to tell us how you're getting on.


[ This Message was edited by: sykes on 2002-05-22 00:37 ]

[twyladawn]

Hello all:
I first tried IML's method, but didn't have much success there. I think it was because I seldom use Excel, so there was not quite enough detail for me to follow through. I tried Sykes' method, and was able to immediately create a drop list. With a little practice, I believe it will do fine. Thanks so much to the two of you for your help, my day has been saved.
Twyla

[Windsinc]

Well Sykes after months of reading on here and not finding an anwser on creating combo boxes that I could understand as I am NOT excel literate you are the only one (that I dould find) that has explained combo boxes to where I can understand them. THANK YOU.

Have a wonderful weekend
Trish trainee excel user :o