Make drop-down icon visible when using Data>Validation

[FC2008]

Hi,

I've made a list using the Data>Validation tool.
I was wondering if it was possible to make the drop-down icon (downward facing arrow) visible when the cell is not selected.

Thanks.

 

[iken]

If you use the form controls instead of data validation, the arrow will always be visable

 

[electricpete]

I know what you mean - that would make the spreadsheet interface clearer. I don't think it can be done (other than using a different tool like form tools mentioned... else some funky vba approach).

There are other visual cues you can use. I like to make my input cells green. You can also use cell outline and a prompt like "<=choose one" to make the interface clearer. Attached a very tiny example.

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[electricpete]

A little different way to do it is to type "choose one" in the cell BEFORE you apply the validation. Then the prompt is there until you use it to select an entry at which time the error checking begins. But it could be a little unsettling to a a spreadsheet user when he realizes he can never undo his choice and return to "choose one".

Attached an example.

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[electricpete]

I guess you could also leave "choose one" in the data list if you were worried about the user's reaction mentioned above.

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[FC2008]

I think I will just do as you say electricpete, the users should be able to figure that out

Thanks for the suggestion iken.