How to Change a Drop Down List in Excel

Excel is one of the most widely used and popular spreadsheet programs available today. It is powerful, full of features, and versatile. One of the most useful features in Excel is the drop-down list. It allows users to select one of several pre-defined options from a list. However, sometimes it is necessary to change the options in a drop-down list. In this blog post, we will go through a step-by-step guide to help you learn how to change a drop-down list in Excel.

Select the Drop-Down List You Want to Change

The first step to changing a drop-down list in Excel is to select the cell that contains the list. Click on the cell to select it, and then click on the “Data” tab in the Excel ribbon. In the “Data Validation” section, click on the “Data Validation” button.

Edit the List Entries

The “Data Validation” dialog box will open up. Click on the “Settings” tab, and under “Validation criteria,” look for the option “Allow: List.” Click on the range selector button, which is located to the right of the empty “Source” field.

You can now edit the list entries. You can add, remove, or modify the options in the list. To add a new item, simply type it in the “Source” field followed by a comma. To remove an item, delete it from the list. To modify an item, change it in the “Source” field.

Save the Changes

Once you’re done making changes to the list, click on the “OK” button. This will close the “Data Validation” dialog box and save the changes you made to the drop-down list in Excel. You can now test the drop-down list to make sure it’s working correctly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, changing a drop-down list in Excel is a straightforward process. It’s essential to select the cell containing the list, navigate to the “Data” tab, and edit the list entries. Remember to save the changes and test the drop-down list to ensure it functions as intended. With these simple steps, you can quickly modify your drop-down list in Excel and make the necessary changes to your data validation settings!

Useful Tips

Here are some useful tips to help you change a drop-down list in Excel:

1. Use a Named Range

If you have multiple drop-down lists in your worksheet, consider using a named range for easier management. When you use a named range for your list entries, you can easily update the list in one place, and all the drop-down lists that use the named range will update automatically.

2. Restrict Input

You can also use the “Input Message” and “Error Alert” tabs in the “Data Validation” dialog box to restrict input. The input message is the information that appears when you click on the cell, while the error alert is a warning message that appears when an incorrect entry is made.

3. Use the TABLE Formula

If you have a large dataset with frequent changes, consider using the TABLE formula. With the TABLE formula, you can easily add, remove, or modify table entries, and all the drop-down lists that reference the table formula will update automatically.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we went through a step-by-step guide to help you learn how to change a drop-down list in Excel. We discussed how to select the drop-down list you want to change, how to edit the list entries, and how to save the changes. We also provided some useful tips on how to manage drop-down lists effectively in Excel. With these simple steps, you can quickly modify your drop-down list in Excel and make the necessary changes to your data validation settings!

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about changing drop-down lists in Excel:

Can I change the location of a drop-down list in Excel?

Yes, you can change where the drop-down list is located by moving the cell that contains the list. Simply click and drag the cell to the new location. Be sure to update any references to the cell location if necessary.

Can I change the font size and color of a drop-down list in Excel?

Yes, you can change the font size and color of a drop-down list in Excel. To do this, select the cell containing the list, right-click and select “Format Cells,” and then go to the “Font” tab. Choose your preferred font, size, and color, and click “OK.”

Can I change the size of a drop-down list in Excel?

Yes, you can change the size of a drop-down list in Excel by adjusting the height of the cell. Simply click and drag the bottom border of the cell to make it taller or shorter.

Can I change a drop-down list to a combo box in Excel?

Yes, you can change a drop-down list to a combo box by going to the “Developer” tab in the Excel ribbon, clicking on the “Insert” button, and selecting “Combo Box” from the drop-down menu. You can then enter the list entries and set any additional properties as needed.

Why is my drop-down list not working after I made changes?

There could be several reasons why your drop-down list is not working after making changes. Check to make sure the cell is still selected, and that you saved your changes. Also, verify that the options in your list are entered correctly and separated by commas. If the issue persists, try recreating the list from scratch to make sure there are no underlying validation issues.