Data Validation with a Indirect Lookup Formatting Question

I am working on a new database and have a drop down list called Categories. Base on what is in Categories, there is a drop down called Play Element that references it.

=INDIRECT(VLOOKUP($A$18,vlookup_list, 2, FALSE))
^^Categories

I wanted to format copy this with the $A$# being consistent with the line number, but am only getting 18 and have to manually enter the number. I also want it to be flexible enough that a user can insert a line and it will update the formula with the new line taking the number of the line and the lines below updating to their new line.

Is this possible?

Thanks.

Hello
If I'm understanding you correctly, then perhaps you just need to make you A18 reference relative rather than absolute by removing the $ from in front of the row. Example: $A18 locks in the column of A but moves the formula down the rows.

DBY

That was it. I have no idea why I didn't think about that. Thanks.

Glad to have helped. Sometimes it's hard to see the wood for the trees!