How to Create a Custom Autofill List in Excel

Microsoft Excel is a powerful tool that can make your work easier and faster. One of its functionalities, Autofill, allows you to quickly populate a series of data or values in your worksheet automatically. But did you know that you can create your own custom Autofill list in Excel? Doing so will save you time and ensure that your data is consistently correct. In this blog post, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to create a custom Autofill list in Excel.

Step 1: Create a List of Items You Want to Autofill

The first step to creating a custom Autofill list in Excel is to create a list of the items that you want to Autofill. For example, you could create a list of months, days of the week, or even a list of your favorite foods. You can type out your list manually or copy and paste from an existing list.

Step 2: Place the List in a Worksheet

Once you have your list of items, you need to place it in a worksheet in Excel. You can choose any cell to start with, but it’s best to choose the top cell in a column for clarity. Type your first item in the cell and press ENTER to move to the next one. Continue until you have entered all of the items in the list.

Step 3: Define the List as a Custom List

After you have created your list, you need to define it as a custom list in Excel. To do this, follow these steps:

Step 3.1: Click on the File Button

Click on the File button in the upper left corner of Excel and then click on Options.

Step 3.2: Click on the Advanced Tab

Click on the Advanced tab in the options dialog box.

Step 3.3: Find the ‘Edit Custom Lists’ Button

In the Editing Options section, find the Edit Custom Lists button and click on it.

Step 3.4: Enter Your List

In the Custom Lists dialog box, click in the ‘List entries’ box and type over the existing list with your custom list. When you’re done, click the Add button to add your list to Excel’s list of custom lists. Click OK to close the dialog box and save your new custom list.

Step 4: Test Your Custom Autofill List

Your custom Autofill list is now ready to use! To test it out, type the first item in the list in a cell, and then drag the Autofill handle down the column to fill in the rest of the items in the list. Alternatively, you can double-click on the Autofill handle to fill in the entire column with your list.

Creating a custom Autofill list in Excel is an easy and efficient way to save time and ensure the accuracy of your data entry. With these simple steps, you can create a custom list of anything you need to enter regularly into your spreadsheets.

Custom Autofill List Tips

Here are some additional tips to help you get the most out of your custom Autofill list:

Tip 1: Use Shortcuts to Create Your List Faster

If you have a long list of data to enter, typing it out manually can be time-consuming. Instead, use the shortcut keys ALT + ACCENT MARK ( ` ) to quickly enter your list into Excel. This shortcut will add the items in your list to a single column, with each item in a separate cell.

Tip 2: Sort Your Custom List

If you need to sort your custom list in a specific order, you can do so by clicking on the ‘Sort A to Z’ or ‘Sort Z to A’ button on the Home tab in Excel. This will arrange your list alphabetically or in reverse alphabetical order, respectively.

Tip 3: Share Your Custom Autofill List

If you’re working on a project with others and need to use the same custom Autofill list, you can share it with your colleagues. Share the Excel file that contains your Autofill list or copy and paste the list into their worksheet.

A custom Autofill list in Excel can save you time and ensure the accuracy of your data entry. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can easily create your own custom Autofill list in Excel. Remember to define your list as a custom list, test it out, and use the tips provided to get the most out of your Autofill list. With this knowledge, you can become more efficient and effective in your data entry tasks in Excel.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions related to creating a custom Autofill list in Excel:

Q: Can I use my custom Autofill list in other spreadsheets?

A: Yes, if you want to use the custom Autofill list in other spreadsheets, you can create it in one spreadsheet and then use the same list in other spreadsheets. You can also save your list as a text file and then import it into other spreadsheets.

Q: Can I add or remove items from my custom Autofill list after I’ve created it?

A: Yes, you can add or remove items from your custom Autofill list at any time. To do so, click on the File button, select Options, and then click on the Advanced tab. In the Editing Options section, click on the Edit Custom Lists button, and then add or remove items as needed.

Q: Can I create multiple custom Autofill lists in Excel?

A: Yes, you can create as many custom Autofill lists as you need in Excel. Just follow the steps outlined in this blog post and define each list as a custom list.

Q: Can I create a custom Autofill list based on data in a column?

A: Yes, you can create a custom Autofill list based on data in a column. To do so, highlight the data in the column, and then follow the steps outlined in this blog post to define the list as a custom list.

Q: Do custom Autofill lists work with Excel’s flash fill feature?

A: Yes, custom Autofill lists work with Excel’s flash fill feature. Simply start typing an item from the list in a cell, and Excel will recognize the pattern and fill in the rest of the items on the list automatically, even if they are not next to each other.