How to create a drop-down list in Excel

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Create a dropdown list in Excel

Creating a drop-down list in Excel is a feature that allows you to generate a box with multiple choices, displaying only one choice at a time on the list. This feature is commonly seen in online surveys on the web.

Generating a drop-down list in Excel will not only save you time but also reduce paper usage compared to creating checkboxes in the traditional way. This drop-down feature has been present since Excel 2003 and remains unchanged up to the current version, Excel 2016. Although the interface may have changed, creating Excel drop-down lists for these versions has not changed much. In this article, we will focus on how to create drop-down lists in Excel 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, and 2003.

In this article, we will guide you through the simple process of creating drop-down lists in Excel 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, and 2003. In reality, there are not many differences between these versions, but for those new to using Excel, we will provide detailed instructions so you can easily implement and apply them to your work.

Step 1: How to make a dropdown list in Excel 2016, 2013

Assume we have a table listing 10 financial report chapters of Mytour. Now, Mytour will create a dropdown list in Excel, allowing a single row to choose from the 10 values.

Step 1: First, click on an empty cell where you want to place the dropdown. Then, go to the Data tab and select Data Validation.

Step 2: In the Data Validation section, scroll down and select List under Allow. Check the Source option.

Step 3: Under the Source category, drag your mouse to encompass all 10 chapters, just like in the image, then confirm your approval.

Go back and observe that the Source field is now filled with complete values. Simply press OK to finish.

At this point, the previously empty cell has transformed into a dropdown with all the chapters inside. The trick to creating a dropdown list in Excel 2016, 2013 is now successfully executed.

Create a dropdown list in Excel 2010, 2007

Similar to the example above, we have a list containing 10 chapters of advanced accounting. Now, we need to create a dropdown list in Excel so that a single row can choose one of the 10 values.

Step 1: To create a dropdown list in Excel 2010, 2007, first click on an empty cell where you want the dropdown. Then, go to Data > select Data Validation.

Step 2: In the Data Validation section, scroll down and choose List under Allow. Check the Source option.

Step 3: In the Source category, drag your mouse to select all values as marked in the image.

Go back and observe that the Source field is now filled with complete values. Confirm with OK to exit.

At this point, the previously empty cell has transformed into a dropdown with all the chapters inside. In this way, creating a dropdown list in Excel 2010, 2007 is now successfully completed.

Create a dropdown list in Excel 2003

For Excel 2003, there are slight differences, although not many, and the procedure remains quite similar to the 4 versions above.

Step 1: To create a dropdown list in Excel 2003, click on an empty cell, then choose Data > Validation from the menu bar.

Step 2: In Validation, select List and click on the Source field.

Step 3: In the Source category, drag your mouse to select all the values you want to display.

Press OK afterwards to confirm and exit this section.

After this step, the process of creating a dropdown list in Excel 2003 is complete.

Above is the guide to creating dropdown lists in Excel 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, and 2003. Following these instructions will help you easily create dropdowns for your text, regardless of the version you are using. More importantly, it will enhance your Excel knowledge and introduce you to some features available in Excel.

In addition, if you are interested, you can also explore more about Excel shortcuts. Excel shortcuts will not only help users operate faster but also provide a better understanding of the functions and purposes of each shortcut key.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of creating a drop-down list in Excel?

Creating a drop-down list in Excel allows users to select from multiple choices conveniently. This feature enhances data entry efficiency, reduces errors, and saves paper by eliminating the need for traditional checkboxes.

How do I create a drop-down list in Excel 2016 or 2013?

To create a drop-down list in Excel 2016 or 2013, click on an empty cell, go to the Data tab, select Data Validation, choose List, and then specify the source values. Confirm your selection, and the drop-down will appear.

Are there significant differences in creating drop-down lists across different Excel versions?

No, there are not significant differences in creating drop-down lists across Excel versions from 2003 to 2016. The basic steps remain largely unchanged, making it easy for users to adapt regardless of their Excel version.

What are the steps for creating a drop-down list in Excel 2003?

To create a drop-down list in Excel 2003, click an empty cell, select Data, then Validation, choose List, and specify the source values. After confirming, the drop-down list will be successfully created.

How can using drop-down lists improve Excel data management?

Using drop-down lists improves Excel data management by ensuring consistent data entry, reducing entry errors, and streamlining the process of selecting predefined options, ultimately enhancing productivity.

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