In this blog, we will discuss how to create a Combobox in Excel and as well as through VBA.
List box & a Combobox is similar but have slightly different controls, to let users make multiple choices of items or to enter their own value in a list. Typical examples of items in these types of lists are employee names, exchange rates, and product items.
We all know how to create a validation list in Excel. But very few of us know how to create a dependent list in Excel. For Example, you have the validation list looks like below:
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Now my point is that if I choose “Animals” from the drop-down menu, then a list of animal names will be shown in the drop-down.
Similarly, from the same box (Picture 1) if I choose “Fruits” the same box will be shown the list of fruit names. To do the same you need to set the name range. I am thinking that your data looks like below.
Now I will create the named range for all of these items are shown in Picture 1. We will give the same name for each and every category. I am choosing all the animals’ names and giving the name “Animals”.
phone I have aerated the name manager and there are 4 names on my list. Remember, we need to give the same name what is there for the first validation you have chosen.
Now we will choose the cell where the dependent list will be created. In my case, my validation list in H2 cell, and I am going to dependent validation list on I2. After choosing I2 cell I go Data and then Data Validation from the Data Tools section. Then Choose List from Allow section and in the Source, I have written the formula =indirect($H$2). It is the trick. The value of H2 is Animals and we have already set and Animals mean a list of animals’ names.
After setting the same as above please click on OK and your dependent is ready to use. You can choose any particulars from the first validation box and the dependent list will be populated.
So your dependency list ready. Only a small formula (indirect) has done the trick. For the Indirect formula in detail, you can go through our training materials.
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Now to do the same thing in VBA is a little bit tricky. I am creating 1 Combobox and 1 list box in the user form and the combo box is connected with the list for each category.
Here also, we will do the same thing. If you choose 1 category from the first box (Combobox) then the dependent value in the same list box will be populated. To do the same thing, please follow the below steps for creating the above UserForm:
- Insert a new module
- Paste the below code
- Open UserForm
- Double click on the Form
- Paste the below UserForm code
Module Code
Sub loadparts(a)
Sheets("sheet1").Select
Dim lists()
b = 2
x:
If Cells(b, a) <> "" Then
ReDim Preserve lists(1 To b - 1)
lists(b - 1) = Cells(b, a)
b = b + 1: GoTo x
End If
UserForm1.ListBox1.List = lists()
End Sub
'The below codes we will use in UserForm.
Private Sub ComboBox1_Change()
Sheets("sheet1").Select
Dim x(1): x(1) = ""
a = ComboBox1.ListIndex
If a = -1 Then GoTo endd
loadparts (a + 2)
endd:
End Sub
Private Sub UserForm_Initialize()
Sheets("sheet1").Select
Dim List(): Dim x(1)
r = Range("A" & Rows.Count).End(xlUp).Row
For a = 1 To r
ReDim Preserve List(1 To a)
List(a) = Cells(a, 1).Text
Next a
x(1) = ""
UserForm1.ComboBox1.List = List()
UserForm1.ListBox1.List = x()
End Sub
1. The module code should look like below
2. The UserForm code should look like below
Please run the code or press F5 to run the code. You will get the UserForm and choose one category from the Combobox and as soon as we will choose any value, then the dependent value in the List box will be populated.
I have selected a Fruits category from the box and the dependent value has now populated.
Now if I tell you to select the 3 fruits from the Listbox and save them in a place how will do you the same? I will cover that part on my next blog. Till then, enroll in our excel dashboard course lessons
Excel VBA Macros for Non-Coders
Do you find VBA Macros scary? Did you miss any job opportunity because of it? Get started today with our eBook guide on using – Excel VBA Macros. 140 pages of rich visuals. Download now.