Formatting cells to have default settings

[Nathalie]

I am working with database that is being constantly updated. How can i have cells that will automatically have drop down lists when new rows are inserted. i.e for example cell e6--->variable should all have the same drop down lists.

[Chris Davison]

Nathalie,

1) Name your range that you want as a dropdown :

Highlight the range
Insert
Name
Define
title it appropriately : say "mylist"
the refers to box should already be filled with your highlighted range (make sure it has $$ signs to anchor that range)
add
okay

to check it's okay :

edit
goto
reference: =mylist
okay

this should now highlight your entire range

2) Now highlight your range of cells that you require dropdown to appear in - let's say cells E6 to E16

data
validation
settings
allow = list
source = =mylist (ie it should read =mylist)
incell dropdown should be ticked
ok

this should now make all those cells in E6:E16 validated so that they only receive values from your list which you've defined as "mylist"

if any rows are inserted between E6 and E16, the data validation is retained in the new rows

similarly if a row is inserted between E16 and E17 it also retains the data validation