To set up drop-down lists in WPS Spreadsheet, you begin by highlighting the range where you want the drop-down menu to appear. Once selected, navigate to the Data tab located on the ribbon at the top of the interface. Within this tab, access the Validation Tool. This opens a dialog box where you can establish criteria for the data allowed in the selected cells.
In the Data Validation window, under the Settings tab, change the Allowed values to List. This tells WPS Spreadsheet that you intend to create a drop-down list. Next, in the Source field, you can either enter options directly by listing items with comma separators, or you can use existing cells that already contains your desired options. For example, if your list of options is in cells the range A1 to A5, you would enter the range A1:A5 in the Source box. This approach is especially useful if you plan to update the list frequently, as changes to the source range will update instantly in the drop-down.
After entering your source, you can activate the box labeled Allow empty cells to let cells remain blank, and you may also activate the Display arrow to display the downward pointer next to the cell for convenient use. Once your settings are configured, click Apply to apply the validation rule. The selected cells will now display a selection indicator, and users can only pick among allowed values.
If you need to modify the options, simply click the cell containing the list, return to the Validation Settings window, and change the input range as needed. To disable the list, open the validation dialog, click the Clear All button, and then validate deletion. It is also helpful to use named references for extensive or recurring options, as this improves efficiency and boosts clarity. To create a named range, mark the data cells, go to the Formula ribbon, and select Define Name. Assign a clear name and use that name in the Source field instead of a cell range.
Drop-down lists in WPS Spreadsheet ensure consistency by reducing typing errors and maintaining uniformity. They are particularly valuable in questionnaires, feedback forms, asset logs, and any scenario where responses should conform to a fixed list. Always test your drop-down list after creation to verify the list is complete and that the list functions correctly when you click the arrow. With proper setup, drop-down lists become a essential feature for enhancing user experience and increasing accuracy.