How to display dropdown only if corresponding cell is empty?

Hi

I have a working dropdown ( select, pc, notebook, mobile) but I want to display it only if corresponding cell in column A is empty. I am creating a spreadsheet for inventory list and I don't want to display the dropdown in case there is no data for the row. Once somebody starts entering new item in the inventory list, the dropdown would appear.

Is that possible in Excell 2013

Thank you

R

cimenta,

Welcome to the forum. I'm quite new around here myself but I'm learning that you get the best help if you're able to post a sample of the worksheet you are creating. In my short time working with Excel I've learned that just about anything is possible.

Matthew

Originally Posted by moosetales

cimenta,

Welcome to the forum. I'm quite new around here myself but I'm learning that you get the best help if you're able to post a sample of the worksheet you are creating. In my short time working with Excel I've learned that just about anything is possible.

Matthew

Hi Matthew

thank you for such quick reply. Please find attached simple xls file.

What I want to achieve is that if the there is no data in column B then column C is empty. If there is something in corresponding row of column B then C will display the dropdown. In my case B4 is empty so I want C4 to be empty.

I hope I explained it well :-)

Thank you

R.

Hi, Cemanta,

Write below formula in your DV list.
IF(B2<>"",DeviceType)

Regards,
Vishnu

Cemanta,

Not sure if this will do it for you but a REAL simple way of accomplishing your goal (or at least what I believe to be your goal) is to add a single quote ( ' ) at the top of your data validation list on the "data" worksheet. The single quote shows up in your drop down as a blank. I've add the single quote to your device type list on the "data" worksheet and redefined the named range DeviceType.

Hope this helps.

Matthew

Originally Posted by moosetales

Cemanta,
I've add the single quote to your device type list on the "data" worksheet and redefined the named range DeviceType.

Hope this helps.

Matthew

Hi Mathew

but I want the first option to be "select" so user knows that have to select something.

Thank you

R.

cimenta,

Yes, I see my error in understanding your original post. Looks like sktneer has you on a productive path.

Matthew