How to Alter Drop Down List in Excel
In Excel, drop down lists are a useful feature that allows users to select specific values from a predefined list. This can help streamline data entry and reduce errors. However, there may be instances where you need to alter the drop down list to accommodate changes in your data or requirements. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to alter drop down list in Excel.
Understanding Drop Down Lists in Excel
Before diving into the alteration process, it is essential to understand how drop down lists work in Excel. A drop down list is created using data validation, which is a built-in feature in Excel. It allows you to specify a list of values that users can choose from when entering data in a cell. The list can be static, meaning the values do not change, or dynamic, where the values are derived from a range of cells or a named range.
Creating a Drop Down List
To create a drop down list in Excel, follow these steps:
1. Select the cell where you want the drop down list to appear.
2. Go to the “Data” tab on the ribbon.
3. Click on “Data Validation” in the “Data Tools” group.
4. In the “Settings” tab, select “List” from the “Allow” dropdown menu.
5. Enter the range of cells containing the values you want to appear in the drop down list in the “Source” field.
6. Click “OK” to create the drop down list.
Altering a Drop Down List
Now that you have created a drop down list, let’s discuss how to alter it:
1. Select the cell containing the drop down list.
2. Go to the “Data” tab on the ribbon.
3. Click on “Data Validation” in the “Data Tools” group.
4. In the “Settings” tab, you will see the “Source” field, which contains the range of cells from which the drop down list is derived.
5. Modify the range by entering new values or selecting a different range of cells.
6. Click “OK” to save the changes to the drop down list.
Additional Tips for Altering Drop Down Lists
– To delete a drop down list, select the cell containing the list and click “Delete” in the “Data Validation” dialog box.
– If you want to add new values to an existing drop down list, you can modify the source range to include the new values.
– You can also use named ranges to make it easier to manage and alter drop down lists.
Conclusion
Altering drop down lists in Excel is a straightforward process that can help you maintain accurate and consistent data. By understanding how to create and modify drop down lists, you can make the most of this useful feature in your Excel spreadsheets.
