Type in a cell and drop down filters list?

There is nothing magical about a drop down (data validation), it acts in the exact same way as if you had entered the data manually, and excel formulas only see the data in the cell as if it had been entered manually.

The only real advantages of using a DD is that it saves typing, avoids typos/spelling mistakes, restricts entry to what you specify, and maybe saves a bit of time in entering data.
Other than that, no difference to manual entry

The DV resides in a cell you specify, and that is where it will be activated (not in the adjacent cell)

Thanks.
I have added dropdown box to a rnage of celles, and if you click the arrow you can see the entire lis (650names) but if i start typing a letter (eg. "b") in the cell it does not start bringing up the "b" option....it stays as the text i am typing and does not auomatically filter the drop down list for me.
So, i can only use the arrow and scroll through list to find the appropriate name...unless i knwo excaclty how name is spelt and type it in.

yes, thats how DD's work unfortunately, you cant type a "b" and narrow it down.

A possible option might be to have a series of DD's, 1 for "a", 1 for "b" etc

Are you still using Excel 2010?

It can be done, but how depends on your Excel version.

Here's one that works with Excel 365: https://www.xelplus.com/searchable-drop-down-list/

Here's another for older versions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOOuSe_s6pQ

Thank you. I think i have something sorted now. Not ideal, but better than scrolling through hundreds of names...

One of the links I provided or something different? If the latter, then please share for the benefit of all.

You didn't answer my question about your Excel version.

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