Instead of using data validation, you could use a Form Control Combo Box. You can’t change those settings, but you can colour the data entry cells, to make them obvious to the worksheet users. only the active cell shows a drop down arrow.We’ll compare these types of Excel drop down lists:ĭata validation is a great feature, and you can use creative formulas to create flexible lists, such as dependent drop down lists. There are other ways to create a drop down list though, and one of those options might work better in your worksheet. Unfortunately, there’s no way to make the font size bigger, which is one of the drawbacks of a data validation drop down list. Sometimes the font in a data validation drop down is so small that you can barely read the list. It had some limitations, so here are 3 types of Excel drop down lists compared.Īt my client’s office, the worksheet was zoomed to 75%, so we could see more of the data, and the person watching over my shoulder asked, “How can you even read that?” At a client’s office last week, I was selecting a pricing option from a data validation drop down list.