Dropdown lists in Excel are one of the most useful features for data validation. They allow you to restrict user input to predefined options, reduce errors, and maintain consistent data entry. Whether you call it a dropdown Excel list, a pull-down menu in Excel, or simply a dropdown list on Excel, the concept is the same: guide users with a list of available choices. In this tutorial, we will show you how to create a dropdown list in Excel using Python.

Python Library to Create Dropdown List in Excel

Aspose.Cells for Python via .NET is a professional Excel automation library that allows developers to create, edit, and process spreadsheets without installing Microsoft Excel. It provides complete support for working with worksheets, formulas, charts, pivot tables, and data validation features such as dropdown lists.

Why Use Aspose.Cells to Add Dropdown Lists?

  • No need for Microsoft Excel installation.
  • Automate Excel files entirely through Python.
  • Support for advanced data validation rules.
  • Create, edit, and manage Excel files at scale.

Before we start, make sure to download the Aspose.Cells for Python via .NET package from releases. You may also install it using the following pip command:

pip install aspose-cells-python

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Dropdown in Excel

Dropdown lists, or pull-down menus, in Excel are a simple yet powerful way to restrict input to predefined values. This ensures consistency, prevents invalid entries, and improves data entry speed. In this section, we will learn how to create two types of dropdown lists in Excel using Python and Aspose.Cells for Python via .NET:

  1. Inline list dropdown: values are typed directly into the validation rule.
  2. Range-based dropdown: values are stored in a separate cell range or sheet.

1. Create an Inline List Dropdown in Excel

An inline dropdown list allows you to directly embed the items inside the data validation rule. This method is simple and works well when you have a short list of static values such as Apple, Banana, and Cherry.

Steps to create an inline dropdown list:

  • Create a workbook and select the desired worksheet.
  • Define the target cell area where the dropdown should appear.
  • Add a data validation rule of type LIST.
  • Provide items as a quoted comma-separated string.
  • Add optional input and error messages for guidance.
  • Save the workbook.
Create Inline List Dropdown in Excel

Create Inline List Dropdown in Excel.

2. Create a Range-Based Dropdown in Excel

When you need a longer list of items or expect the list to change frequently, it is better to store the values in a separate range of cells (often on another sheet). The dropdown then references this range, making updates easier.

Steps to create range-based dropdown list:

  • Create a workbook and a worksheet for the dropdown.
  • Insert list items in a separate sheet.
  • Create a named range for the list.
  • Define the target cell area for the dropdown list.
  • Add a data validation rule of type LIST.
  • Set the formula1 to reference the named range.
  • Save the workbook.
Create Range Based Dropdown List in Excel

Create Range Based Dropdown List in Excel.

Get a Free License

You can try Aspose.Cells for Python via .NET without any limitations by requesting a free temporary license from the Aspose license page. Once applied in your code, the license removes evaluation restrictions, allowing you to fully test all features such as Excel conversions, chart generation, formula calculations, and handling of large Excel files.

Explore Free Resources

Besides creating pull down menu in excel, make use of the following resources to explore more advanced features like pivot tables, charts, and conditional formatting, and start building smarter Excel solutions today.

Conclusion

In this article, we demonstrated how to create dropdown lists in Excel using Python with Aspose.Cells. You learned how to implement both inline list dropdowns for quick, fixed choices and range-based dropdowns for longer or dynamic lists stored in separate cells. These methods ensure accurate data entry, minimize errors, and improve the usability of your Excel files.

If you need help or have any questions, feel free to reach out on our Aspose.Cells Free Support Forum. Our team will be happy to assist you.

See Also