How to edit Excel templates

I downloaded an Excel template with the idea of modifying some areas to match my requirements. I have a problem unable to solve.
The top row already has titles and drop down lists in all of its columns. I need to remove the drop down lists and also insert my own titles BUT it doesn't allow me to do at my wish.
Any advice please.

for example:-
1. all cells in the first row have got the Drop Down List icon on each of them. I don't need that cell to have a drop down list. I have tried to go to DATA - Data Validation - Clear All. But it doesn't clear.
2. The same row - each column has a title on it. I need to keep a few cells blank without anything. Every time I delete, the word "Column 1" Column 2 ... appears
3. I am not able to merge two cells anywhere on the work area

It would have been good if i could attach a file or a snap shot here.

If your trying to edit a TRUE template file, you can not simply 'double click' the file to do so. Doing that will actually open a copy of the template and add a 1 to the file name.

If you want to edit a template file with extensions like myfile.xltx or myfile.xltm then you need to actually open Excel first, and then the open the file from within excel.

If that doesn't answer your question, please post a sample file

This is the template i was referring to.
Try to delete the drop down arrow in Cells B4 to I4
Try to delete and make blank the titles in Cells B4 to I4

Originally Posted by darrelj

This is the template i was referring to.
Try to delete the drop down arrow in Cells B4 to I4
Try to delete and make blank the titles in Cells B4 to I4

There is really nothing wrong with this file. But to try and answer your questions.

To 'delete' the drop down arrows in Row 4, you simply need to turn off the Filtering

And the reason you can't 'blank' out the titles is because the information is formatted as a 'table' in excel. So you when you try to delete it the name gets renamed Column 1, Column 2, etc.

You can convert the table back to a normal range if you would like, but then any new rows of data you add will not automatically include the cell shading, etc.