I created an Excel add-in called “Search deList”, to create searchable data validation

I created an add-in called “Search deList”, and I want to share it as a freeware.
Its function is to speed up searching in data validation list. In any cell that has data validation (with List type) pressing ALT+RIGHT will open a Userform with a combobox. You can type some keywords in the combobox and the list will be narrowed down as you type.
I’d be appreciate if anyone can test this add-in to find any bugs or just suggesting ideas to improve its functionality.
Also, if anyone needs to change or add specific feature or behavior then feel free to amend the code, and if you need help for that I’ll help if I can.

How it works:

• In any cell that has data validation (with List type) pressing ALT+RIGHT will open a Userform with a combobox.
• Type some keywords to search, separated by a space, e.g "ma la"
• The list will be narrowed down as you type.
• The search ignores the keywords order, so the keyword "ma la" would match "Maryland" and "Alabama".
• You can use up-down arrow to select an item, then hit ENTER, the selected item will be inserted into the cell, and the userform will be closed.
• You can also use single-click to select an item, then DOUBLE-CLICK inside the box, the selected item will be inserted into the cell, and the userform will be closed.
• To leave the combobox without inserting its value to the activecell: hit TAB or ESC
• Numeric values in the list will be treated as text.
• In the Status Bar you can see how many unique items are found & displayed.

Additional feature :
If you want, you can also activate the userform by double-clicking a cell, but you need VBA to do that. Here’s how:
Copy-paste this code into Thisworkbook code window of your workbook:
Copy to clipboard

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Now, in every sheet, double-clicking any cell that has data validation (with List type) will open the Userform.

How to test it:
Install the add-in. This is how: https://exceloffthegrid.com/install-...all-excel-add/
Open any workbook that has data validation (with list type).
In any cell that has data validation, pressing ALT+RIGHT will open a Userform with a combobox.
Play with it & see how it works.

NOTES:

• This add-in also works for dependent data validation.
• One caveat of using macro is when macro changes/writes something on sheet it will delete Undo Stack, so at that time you can't use UNDO. In this case it happens every time the combobox value is inserted into the active cell.

There are 2 versions:
1. Search_deList_v1
It should work on Excel 2007 or later.
2. Search_deList_v365
It should work on Excel 365 or later that has dynamic array function. This version is faster than v_1, especially when you have a long list, say more than 20K items.

Regards,
Akuini

I would like to use the double click function to run the add-in without using a separate macro. Would that be possible? Can the double click function be added to the code that runs the add-in? If it is possible please let me know how.

Originally Posted by Tarun Suri

I would like to use the double click function to run the add-in without using a separate macro. Would that be possible? Can the double click function be added to the code that runs the add-in? If it is possible please let me know how.

Sorry, double-clicking a cell is an event that is part of workbook or worksheet events, so the macro must be placed in the workbook.

Originally Posted by Jacc

Ok thanks, I got to open it now.

But I cannot get it to work. I made a single cell datavalidation based on a list of 4 cells. I selected the datavalidationcell and hit Alt + Right arrow but nothing happens.

Open VBA window, do you see VBAproject Search_deList there?

Originally Posted by Jacc

Ok thanks, I got to open it now.

But I cannot get it to work. I made a single cell datavalidation based on a list of 4 cells. I selected the datavalidationcell and hit Alt + Right arrow but nothing happens.

Wait, by opening it, you mean you have installed it as an add-in, right?