Scribd
Upload
151 views

Auto Complete Typing in An Excel Data Validation List

This document discusses using Excel's data validation list feature with auto-complete functionality. It provides a 3 step solution to enable auto-complete for a validation list on the same worksheet: 1) enable auto-complete for cell values in Tools > Options, 2) move the list above the validation cell, 3) hide the list rows. It also describes how to set up a dynamic named range to use a validation list from another worksheet while still enabling auto-complete on the target worksheet.

Uploaded by

dimkirk
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
151 views

Auto Complete Typing in An Excel Data Validation List

This document discusses using Excel's data validation list feature with auto-complete functionality. It provides a 3 step solution to enable auto-complete for a validation list on the same worksheet: 1) enable auto-complete for cell values in Tools > Options, 2) move the list above the validation cell, 3) hide the list rows. It also describes how to set up a dynamic named range to use a validation list from another worksheet while still enabling auto-complete on the target worksheet.

Uploaded by

dimkirk
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

Auto Complete Typing in an Excel Data Validation List

Data Validation Those that have used Data Validation will know that it is a very handy feature, especially the List option. The List option allows us to have a cell show a drop-down arrow, which the user can then select from. Draw-Back However, when we do the above we must either scroll to the needed item in the Validation list, or type the whole word. What would be really nice is if Excel would AutoComplete based on our list! Unfortunately no such standard feature exists in Excel. The Solution 1. Go to Tools>Options - Edit and check Enable AutoComplete for cell values 2. Move your list of items is in the range immediately above the Validation cell. 3. Hide the rows above your Validation cell. Now, as you type Excel will look at the list above the Validation cell and AutoComplete based on it.

List is Dynamic and/or Resides on Another Worksheet


Lets say your list is on Sheet2 and you wish to use the Validation List with AutoComplete on Sheet1. On Sheet1 A1 Enter =Sheet2!A1 and copy down including as many spare rows as needed (say 300 rows total). Hide these rows and use this formula in the Refers to: for a dynamic named range called MyList: =OFFSET(Sheet1!$A$1,0,0,MATCH("*",Sheet1!$A$1:$A$300,-1),1) Now in the cell immediately below the last hidden row use Data Validation and for the List Source use =MyList

You might also like