excel drop-down list help

aaronflying · #1 06-29-2009, 07:37 PM

Hi would be great if any info or advise be given.

I'm trying to create an excel sheet with a drop down list of people but i have 4 different groups and was wondering if its possible to select one of the groups which in returns selects people in that particular group.

I'm also wondering if its possible to select a drop-down list of two or more cells merged or unmerged?

I'm using Microsoft 2007

I'm also not an expert in it....

thanks

JBeaucaire · #2 06-29-2009, 07:58 PM

First, stop using Merged Cells. It causes untoward headaches over and over, and you can frequently get the same appearance by simply stretching the cell size/height, and using the "Center Across Selection" option in the Format > Cells > Alignment > Horizontal.

Anyway...

These are called Dependent Drop Down lists and they use named ranges and INDIRECT() references in the proceeding drop boxes.

Here's a sample sheet I've posted showing how it's done. The sheet "CHOICES" has the dependent drop lists (and shows one of the dangers of using them) and the sheet "LISTS" shows the lists and named ranges in use.

Have a look.

Sample Files
http://www.excelforum.com/attachment...ndentlists.xls 3 levels
http://www.excelforum.com/attachment...dentlists2.xls 2 levels
http://www.excelforum.com/attachment...elfsorting.xls Self-Sorting lists of fruits by color choices

More reading:
http://www.contextures.com/xlDataval02.html
http://www.contextures.com/xlDataVal13.html

aaronflying · #3 07-01-2009, 09:11 AM

thanks for the info. changed it all to one cells. the list you have is great but i was hoping to put it all into just one list in stead of moving onto another cell. by any chance do you know how to change the size of the letters in the drop down list? been looking around and am quite confused... i have an excel sheet about 100 by 100 and will grow and each has a drop down list.

JBeaucaire · #4 07-01-2009, 11:29 AM

Drop Down Lists created via Data Validation have no font size controls.

If you want to try Control Toolbox Combo Boxes, you definitely get those controls, but it's a lot harder to setup and use, but absolutely more powerful. I don't use them.

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