Dynamic Drop-down Lists in Excel
Hi.
I want to workshop, with a group of colleagues, some strategies to meet various objectives.
Some strategies exist and just need to be selected, and some new ones will be identified in the workshop.
What I would like is the flexibility to either select the strategy from the drop-down list, or insert a new one (next to the objective, not directly into the drop-down list) and have the drop-down list update automatically to include the new strategy and enable it to be selected next time.
Can this be done and is so how?
I have attached a example file that hopefully someone can demonstrate how suggested solution works
Dropdown-List.xlsx
I want to workshop, with a group of colleagues, some strategies to meet various objectives.
Some strategies exist and just need to be selected, and some new ones will be identified in the workshop.
What I would like is the flexibility to either select the strategy from the drop-down list, or insert a new one (next to the objective, not directly into the drop-down list) and have the drop-down list update automatically to include the new strategy and enable it to be selected next time.
Can this be done and is so how?
I have attached a example file that hopefully someone can demonstrate how suggested solution works
Dropdown-List.xlsx
ASKER
Hi Neeraj
A big thanks for the quick correct answer. You nailed it.
I dont know how to use VBA...obviously its time I learn.
I tried to do a crash course then but it might take me a bit of time to learn.
Would you be able to do a favour for me?
Could you further develop the spreadsheet so it can do the same for 6 columns (ie a separate dynamic drop down list for each column). I have attached the file to show 6 columns. I dont know headings yet so have named 'Heading 1 to 6'. I will work out headings before the workshop. Then in the workshop will endeavour to complete each cell under each heading. Can you make it such that I can add extra rows.
Would be grateful for this help as workshop is tomorrow.
If you like, I can create a new question for this.
Dropdown-List_rev-1.xlsm
A big thanks for the quick correct answer. You nailed it.
I dont know how to use VBA...obviously its time I learn.
I tried to do a crash course then but it might take me a bit of time to learn.
Would you be able to do a favour for me?
Could you further develop the spreadsheet so it can do the same for 6 columns (ie a separate dynamic drop down list for each column). I have attached the file to show 6 columns. I dont know headings yet so have named 'Heading 1 to 6'. I will work out headings before the workshop. Then in the workshop will endeavour to complete each cell under each heading. Can you make it such that I can add extra rows.
Would be grateful for this help as workshop is tomorrow.
If you like, I can create a new question for this.
Dropdown-List_rev-1.xlsm
ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION
membership
Create a free account to see this answer
Signing up is free and takes 30 seconds. No credit card required.
ASKER
Hi Neeraj
Thanks so much for further developing the spreadsheet, and doing so promptly. Now getting it ready for use today!
Thanks so much for further developing the spreadsheet, and doing so promptly. Now getting it ready for use today!
ASKER
Very practical and timely help
You're welcome. Glad to help.
ASKER
Hi Neeraj. Can I ask one more question.
Are there any suggestions to not break what you have done?
For instance, with Sheet 1, I added many rows within the shaded part. I assume that is OK. But after adding much content in each cell, not all of it appears in the drop down lists. Dont know why.
Are there any suggestions to not break what you have done?
For instance, with Sheet 1, I added many rows within the shaded part. I assume that is OK. But after adding much content in each cell, not all of it appears in the drop down lists. Dont know why.
If you add content in any cell, it will appear on the List sheet and in the drop down only if the cell has a drop down list.
So before adding content down the rows, copy a cell in that column and paste special Validation and once a blank cell contains a drop down list, any content added in that cell would be appear in the drop down next time if it doesn't already exist.
So before adding content down the rows, copy a cell in that column and paste special Validation and once a blank cell contains a drop down list, any content added in that cell would be appear in the drop down next time if it doesn't already exist.
ASKER
Thanks
I have a lot of rows to add. Is there a way to do this quickly rather than one cell at a time.
I tried copying and pasting a whole row but no success
I have a lot of rows to add. Is there a way to do this quickly rather than one cell at a time.
I tried copying and pasting a whole row but no success
To do it fast, select the last row with drop down list in six columns and drag the selection down.
ASKER
Thanks Neeraj. Much appreciated.
In the attached, you will find a new tab called List which will contain the existing list of Strategies and assigned to a dynamic named range called Strategies.
On Sheet1, you will find the drop down list in column B.
So you may select a strategy from the drop down list or you may input a new strategy in the cell instead of selecting any preexisting strategy and the added strategy would be automatically inserted in the List tab and the drop down list would be automatically updated so that next time the newly added strategy would be available for the user to select from the drop down.
Please refer to the attached.
Dropdown-List.xlsm