![]() We’re not really changing the color of anything in the drop-down list itself. The thing to remember is that the data validation control links to cell C1, and the conditional formatting rule we’re going to add is set for cell C1. SEE: 108 Excel tips every user should master (TechRepublic) Fortunately, there’s a predefined rule that will help us complete this task. Specifically, the rule will apply the font color represented by the color name: red font for the name red, blue for the name blue and so on. We’re going to combine the data validation control with the conditional formatting feature in order to apply a font color to the selected list value. How to change font color for an Excel drop-down list With this new list in place, you’re ready to add conditional formatting. When you have a bit of time, you might want to return to this feature and check out the many ways you can specify the values that populate the list. If you choose an item, Excel will display it in the control, but you don’t need to select a color name at this time.įigure C The drop-down list displays the color names in the table.Īs mentioned, the data validation control feature is versatile. Then, click OK.įigure B Specify the source of the list and the color names in A2:A5.įigure C shows the new list. In the Source control, enter $A$2:$A$5 ( Figure B), or you can select the list.In the resulting dialog, choose List from the Allow drop-down options.If you clicked the drop-down, choose Data Validation. In the Data Tools group, click the Data Validation option.Select the cell where you want to display the drop-down.The next step is to add the drop-down list as follows: I’m using colors to help visualize what happens when you choose from the list of color names in the drop-down. When applying this technique to your own work, you’ll probably use meaningful group or task names. To illustrate how easy these lists are to add and populate, let’s add one that displays the list of colors in A2:A5. Now, let’s add the drop-down list and populate it with the list of color names in A2:A5. When you update the list at the table (sheet) level, Excel will automatically update the list in the drop-down. Doing so will make the drop-down list dynamic. SEE: Checklist: Microsoft 365 app and services deployments on Macs (TechRepublic Premium)Ĭheck the My Table Has Headers option, and click OK. Format the simple list as a table object by clicking anywhere inside the list and pressing Ctrl + T or by choosing the Format as Table option in the Home tab. This next step isn’t necessary for this technique to work, but it will help you work more efficiently. To accomplish this, enter the list of color names shown in Figure A.įigure A Add a new list of colors in Excel. In this case, we’ll use a list of color names at the sheet level. This type of control is truly one of Excel’s most helpful features, because the drop-down list can be almost anything. If you’ve used data validation controls, you know how easy they are to add and how helpful they can be. How to add color to an Excel drop-down list How to change the color of a cell in an Excel drop-down list.How to change the font color for an Excel drop-down list.How to add color to an Excel drop-down list.You can work with your own data or download the demonstration files I’m working with here. I’m using Microsoft 365 on a Windows 10 65-bit system, but you can use earlier versions of Excel or Excel’s online version as well. Throughout this article, we’ll use Excel’s built-in data validation drop-down control rather than a development, legacy combo or list control. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to add a validation control and then add conditional formatting to include visual cues for the drop-down. SEE: The Complete Microsoft Office Master Class Bundle (TechRepublic Academy) Whatever your reason for incorporating color, you can accomplish your goal by simply adding conditional formatting to the cell that contains the drop-down list. Perhaps you want to use a color to denote a specific group or task, or maybe you just want to draw attention to the control. Image: wachiwit/Adobe Stock Must-read big data coverageīest practices to follow for data migrationĭata warehouse services: What to consider before choosing a vendorĬolor can be a powerful element in an Excel drop-down list, and it’s easier to add than you might think. For more info, visit our Terms of Use page. This may influence how and where their products appear on our site, but vendors cannot pay to influence the content of our reviews. ![]() We may be compensated by vendors who appear on this page through methods such as affiliate links or sponsored partnerships. This article provides step-by-step instructions for color customizing your drop-down list in Microsoft Excel. How to add color to a drop-down list in Excel
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