Dropdown is the great feature in Google Sheets that allow the user to select only those values that are predefined. Google Sheets allow users to create two types of dropdown features. In this blog, you will learn how to make a dropdown list in Google Sheets. Let’s checkout:
Table of content:
- About the dropdown list
- Create a simple dropdown list
- Create a dropdown list from range
- Dropdown to select multiple values
- Apply rules to the dropdown list
- About the author
About the dropdown list
A dropdown list is a feature in Google Sheets that allows the user to select single or multiple values from the list which are predefined. When a user clicks on the cell which is having a dropdown list, a small ‘Arrow’ will appear and the user can select the value from the list. Only Google Sheets has an option where users can select single or multiple values at the same time.
Create a simple dropdown list
- Open the Google Sheets and select the range where you want to add a dropdown list
- Click on Data → Data validation
3. The moment you click on ‘Data validation’ a new window will appear on the right hand side. Then click on “Add rule”
4. In Option 1 and Option 2, enter the values that you want to display in the dropdown and then click on “Done” button
This is how you can create a simple dropdown list in Google Sheets.
Create a dropdown list from range
Let’s assume that you have a list of product names in the range from F2:F100 and this list is getting updated or new products are getting added. In this case you can create a dropdown list from the range.
- Open the Google Sheets and select the range where you want to add a dropdown list
- Click on Data → Data validation
3. The moment you click on ‘Data validation’ a new window will appear on the right hand side. Then click on “Add rule”
4. In Criteria option select “Dropdown (from a range). Then select the range where all the product names are mentioned. If you select the blank cells also, the list will automatically exclude the blank cell.
In above mentioned example, our product names are mentioned in range F2:F7. And we have applied the dropdown in range B2:B7.
Dropdown to select multiple values
By default user can select only single value from the dropdown list. But let’s assume you want the user to select multiple values from same list. Then there is an option in Google Sheets, which allows user to select the multiple values.
Steps:
- Click on Data —> Data validation
- Select the rule which you want to modify
- Scroll down and select “Allow multiple selections” then click on “Done”
- This will allow the user to select the multiple values from the dropdown list
Apply rules to the dropdown list
In dropdown list you can apply two rules which are listed below:
- Show warning when data is invalid – This will show warning message when a user select the value other the then predefined values
- Reject the input when data is invalid – This will reject the input when a user select the value other then the predefined values
- To make a select modify the dropdown list and scroll down to select “Advanced option”. There you can select any one option according to your preference.
About the Author
Vishal Pooner has over 12+ years of experience in Digital Marketing and automating existing workflow using the Google AppScript. You can follow him on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram.
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