# How to create drop down list in microsoft excel

> To create a drop down list in Microsoft Excel, open your file, select the target cells, and choose Data Validation from the Data tab. Set validation criteria to List, select your source cells using the up and down arrows, and select the appropriate label for each employee.

Canonical: https://livedemo.ai/tutorials/how-to-create-drop-down-list-in-microsoft-excel/
Apps: Microsoft, Excel
Updated: 2026-10-05
Interactive demo: https://story-api.livedemo.ai/workspaces/62255d3d3304f17b8f5e2d03/stories/692a398eab56e05a00fe011f/preview?step=1

## Steps

1. Open the file you want to create a dropdown list.
2. Select the cells where you want the dropdown list to be displayed.
3. On the Excel ribbon click on "Data," and select "Data Validation."
4. On the Validation criteria select "List."
5. Click on the up arrow.
6. Select the cells you wish to appear on the dropdown list. Then click the down arrow.
7. Select the appropriate label for each employee you want to categorize.