question about creating a simple drop down list
 

I created a dropdown list by refering to a list in the spreadsheet then
hiding those rows. Is that the correct way to create a list? I notice
on other lists that I see there are options for "all" or "custom" etc
that mine doesn't have. Also my arrow button doesn't show unless the
cell is clicked on. Is there something I did wrong?

question about creating a simple drop down list
 

Is there something I did wrong?

Does the drop down list you created do what you want?

The other type you're describing is for a FILTER and is completely different
from a Data Validation List.

A Data Validation List is used to present the user with list of values from
which they can choose.

A FILTER does just what its name implies, it filters out all the data except
for the data that you specify.

Biff

wrote in message
ps.com...
I created a dropdown list by refering to a list in the spreadsheet then
hiding those rows. Is that the correct way to create a list? I notice
on other lists that I see there are options for "all" or "custom" etc
that mine doesn't have. Also my arrow button doesn't show unless the
cell is clicked on. Is there something I did wrong?

question about creating a simple drop down list
 

Ok, so the filter picks one row and makes all the others disappear and
the list does the same but from a hidden list, correct? I guess I'm
asking if I did it right because I kind of figured it out by myself and
just want to make sure I did it right and just didn't find a back door
that might come back and limit me in some way in the future. My list
works fine for what I need except if I give it to someone else to use
they might not know there is a dropdown list on a cell because it
doesn't have that tell-tale arrow. Any way I can make it stay showing
when I click off of the cell?

question about creating a simple drop down list
 

Any way I can make it stay showing
when I click off of the cell?

For a Data Validation drop down, you can't make the drop arrow always
visible but you could use some formatted borders or a fill color on that
cell that will make it stand out.

Another option is to use a Combo box from the Forms toolbar. It's similar to
a Data Validation drop down but the drop arrow is always visible.

Biff

wrote in message
oups.com...
Ok, so the filter picks one row and makes all the others disappear and
the list does the same but from a hidden list, correct? I guess I'm
asking if I did it right because I kind of figured it out by myself and
just want to make sure I did it right and just didn't find a back door
that might come back and limit me in some way in the future. My list
works fine for what I need except if I give it to someone else to use
they might not know there is a dropdown list on a cell because it
doesn't have that tell-tale arrow. Any way I can make it stay showing
when I click off of the cell?

question about creating a simple drop down list
 

if you choose to use the combo box it is a little more difficult to set
up..Once you have clicked on the combo box on the forms toolbar click on the
worksheet where you want the box to display,you will get a giant arrow with
handles on the border,so you can change its shape and size.Right click on it
again when you have it sized etc and choose format control .The input range
is your list(make the range slightly bigger than you need so you can add
items later.Choose another cell (i ussually use a cell next to or below the
list,not too close and colour it for later easy reference) for your cell
link.When you choose an item from your now operational drop down you will see
the cell link change but where is the output???.In any cell(and any number
off cells) you need to use a choose or index formula to show your choice ie
=choose(cell_link,list_item1,list_item2,list_item3 ,etc).I typed this because
it is very difficult to find anything about the forms combobox in
help,although i have looked at it a few times I akways have trouble finding
it!
--
paul
remove nospam for email addy!



"Biff" wrote:

Any way I can make it stay showing
when I click off of the cell?

For a Data Validation drop down, you can't make the drop arrow always
visible but you could use some formatted borders or a fill color on that
cell that will make it stand out.

Another option is to use a Combo box from the Forms toolbar. It's similar to
a Data Validation drop down but the drop arrow is always visible.

Biff

wrote in message
oups.com...
Ok, so the filter picks one row and makes all the others disappear and
the list does the same but from a hidden list, correct? I guess I'm
asking if I did it right because I kind of figured it out by myself and
just want to make sure I did it right and just didn't find a back door
that might come back and limit me in some way in the future. My list
works fine for what I need except if I give it to someone else to use
they might not know there is a dropdown list on a cell because it
doesn't have that tell-tale arrow. Any way I can make it stay showing
when I click off of the cell?