Drop down boxes

[Palmfrond]

Hi All

I have a list of industries which I would like to have as a drop down box, to restrict only the industries included in the list.

I'm not sure how to do this. Any help please.

Many thanks

 

[Fishboy]

Hi All

I have a list of industries which I would like to have as a drop down box, to restrict only the industries included in the list.

I'm not sure how to do this. Any help please.

Many thanks

Hi Palmfrond, there are a few ways of achieving this. The size of the list of industries may influence which way you want to go.

Option 1 - Simple, better for a short list:

1. Go to Data tab on Excel ribbon.
2. Click Data Validation.
3. Select "List" from the drop-down menu.
4. In the "Source" box type your list of industries separated with a comma. There is a fixed limit to how long the list can be using this method.
5. Click Ok.

Option 2 - More involved, better for longer lists:

1. Create a "helper" table somewhere in your workbook. This can be on a hidden sheet if you prefer.
2. The "helper" table is simply a column containing all of the industries from your list.
3. Select your list in it's entirety then in the "Name" box (to the left of the formula bar) type in "Industries" and press enter.
4. Go back to where you want the drop-down list, go to the Data tab.
5. Click Data Validation.
6. Select "List" from the drop-down menu.
7. In the "Source" box type =Industries
8. Click Ok.