You could use dependent data validation lists, whereby in one cell you
would type J (or choose J from a list) and then in the next cell your
drop-down would contain only those names which began with J. Debra
Dalgleish shows how to do this he

http://www.contextures.com/xlDataVal02.html

Hope this helps.

Pete

On Jul 1, 4:00*pm, Joe H. <Joe wrote:
I am creating a quote sheet in excel that will need to be filled out quickly
while on the phone with my customers. There is basic info that will be needed
for each quote. The first thing will be the customer name. What would be the
best way to set up a cell to auto select from a list? Let’s say John Doe’s
Lumber Yard calls, is there a way I can start tying “J” and be able to select
John Doe’s Lumber Yard from a list and have it auto fill the cell? I have it
set up right now with a drop down list but it takes just as long to search
threw all my customers in the drop down list than it would to just type it
in. I was thinking if I had a drop down list I could click on the carrot and
type “J” and the list would automatically scroll to the customers beginning
with “J” but this is not the case. I have to manually scroll down and find
the customer. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. * *