Create a Drop-Down List
The data added to a drop-down list can be located on either the same worksheet as the list, on a different worksheet in the same workbook, or in a completely different Excel workbook. In this tutorial, we’re using a list of cookie types. To follow along, enter the data in columns D and E shown in the image below.
To create a drop-down list:
Select cell B3 to make it the active cell. Select Data. Select Data Validation to open the Data Validation dialog box. Select the Settings tab. Under Allow, select the down arrow. Choose List. Place the cursor in the Source text box. Highlight cells E3 through E10 in the worksheet to add the data in this range of cells to the list. Select OK. Except for Excel for Mac, where you select Done.
A down arrow appears next to cell B3 indicating the presence of the drop-down list. When you select the down arrow, the drop-down list opens to display the eight cookie names.
Remove a Drop-Down List in Excel
When you’re finished with a drop-down list, remove it from a worksheet cell using the data validation dialog box.
Select the cell containing the drop-down list to be removed. Select Data. Select Data Validation to open the Data Validation dialog box. Select the Settings tab. Select Clear All to remove the drop-down list. Select OK to close the dialog box and return to the worksheet.
