Forum Discussion
How to create Dependent drop down list using two workbooks
How to create drop down list from another workbook in Excel?
It is quite easy to create a data validation drop down list among worksheets within a workbook. But if the source data you need for the drop-down list locates in another workbook, how would you do? In this tutorial, you will learn how to create a drop fown list from another workbook in Excel in details.
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In this upper link from microsoft you will find general information about drop down menus and a link for excel template with drop down examples.
Hope I was able to help you with this info.
NikolinoDE
I know I don't know anything (Socrates)
- Thanks for the response. I was able to create a drop-down list where the source data was in a separate excel document. However, was unable to find any solution for a dynamic/dependent drop-down. The idea was to have one common source file with the drop-down data that can be used by multiple users to create drop-down list in their excel doc. That way we can update only one source file with the drop down data instead of multiple.
- As far as I know, it is possible to drop down from another workbook.
With the drop-down list in workbook A and the source in workbook B, it is possible to use the validity list to define a name (Ctrl + F3) that refers to a cell range in the other workbook. in the upper post is the example link. It could also be done with VBA.
I don't know whether it is possible in all versions of Excel, but the exact version of Excel is not given by the user.
I am aware that this is not the best way and can be fraught with many problems. I can only support that Power Query could be the best solution. But why the user would like it that way, or what project it might be, I don't know and was not asked by the user.
