Using WPS Spreadsheet’s Data Validation for Drop‑Down Menus > 자유게시판

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Using WPS Spreadsheet’s Data Validation feature to create drop down menus is a powerful way to improve data accuracy and streamline data entry in your spreadsheets.

You can limit entries to a fixed set of choices, reducing input errors, maintaining uniformity, and facilitating smoother data analysis afterward.

This feature is especially useful in forms, wps下载 surveys, inventory logs, and any worksheet where standardized entries are critical.

To begin, select the cell or range of cells where you want the drop down menu to appear.

After selection, go to the Data tab in the ribbon toolbar and select the Data Validation command.

You’ll now see the Data Validation window, where you can configure what inputs are permitted.

Within the Settings section, find the Allow dropdown and select "List" as the validation type.

WPS Spreadsheet now understands you intend to build a dropdown selection menu.

Next, you need to specify the source of your list.

Alternatively, input your choices directly into the Source box, with individual items delimited by commas—for example: Apple, Banana, Orange.

or point to an existing range of cells containing your options.

As an example, if your items are in A1:A5 on a different sheet, input Sheet2!A1:A5 to pull the data dynamically.

This approach is recommended since updating the source range automatically refreshes the dropdown, eliminating the need to re-enter settings.

After setting the source, you can optionally check the box labeled Ignore blank to allow users to leave the cell empty, or uncheck it to require that a selection be made.

Alternatively, visit the Input Message tab to show a prompt when the cell is activated, instructing users on the expected input.

You could enter: "Select an option from the available choices".

This improves user experience and reduces confusion.

You can adjust the behavior in the Error Alert section when an unauthorized value is input.

While the system defaults to a Stop alert, you’re free to modify the type to Warning or Information and personalize the message—for example: "Invalid entry. Choose only from the list below.".

Clicking OK activates the dropdown, displaying a downward arrow icon adjacent to the validated cells.

Users simply click the arrow to view the list and make a selection with one click.

This not only speeds up data entry but also ensures that the data collected remains uniform and reliable.

It is important to note that if you later modify the source range, the drop down list will automatically update to reflect those changes, as long as the range reference remains valid.

This adaptability simplifies long-term maintenance—for instance, refreshing product IDs or team names without touching validation settings.

You can also duplicate validation rules to multiple cells using regular copy and paste operations.

Copying a cell with data validation spreads the exact rules to destination cells, eliminating repetitive configuration.

Take care when importing data from outside sources into validated cells.

If the pasted value is not in the allowed list, WPS Spreadsheet will block the entry and display your custom error message.

To avoid this, make sure the data you are importing matches the predefined options or temporarily disable validation if needed.

Ultimately, the Data Validation dropdown feature is indispensable for users handling organized, repetitive datasets.

It promotes accuracy, reduces errors, and enhances the overall usability of your spreadsheets.

From basic questionnaires to advanced stock inventories, using dropdowns via data validation is a wise, industry-standard technique that delivers long-term benefits in accuracy and workflow speed