Data Validation drop-down list

Create an in-cell dropdown list

Create drop-down lists in a cell with Google Sheets.

Create a drop-down list

Data Validation drop-down list

  1. Open a spreadsheet in Google Sheets.
  2. Select the cell or cells where you want to create a drop-down list.
  3. Click Data
    Data Validation drop-down list
    Data validation.
  4. Next to "Criteria," choose an option:
    • List from a range: Choose the cells that will be included in the list.
    • List of items: Enter items, separated by commas and no spaces.
  5. The cells will have a Down arrow. To remove the arrow, uncheck "Show dropdown list in cell."
  6. If you enter data in a cell that doesnt match an item on the list, youll see a warning. If you want people to only enter items from the list, choose "Reject input" next to "On invalid data."
  7. Click Save. The cells will show a drop-down list. To change the color of a cell based on the option selected, use conditional formatting.

Change or delete a drop-down list

  1. Open a spreadsheet in Google Sheets.
  2. Select the cell or cells youd like to change.
  3. Click Data
    Data Validation drop-down list
    Data validation.
  4. To change the options listed, edit the items next to "Criteria."
  5. To delete a list, click Remove validation.
  6. Click Save. If you change the contents of the range you've selected, the changes will be made in the list automatically.
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