How do you create a dropdown list in Excel?

Creating a dropdown list in Excel is accomplished by utilizing Data Validation under the Data tab and selecting the "List" option. This method allows you to define specific entries that users can select from a predetermined list.

To create a dropdown list, you start by selecting the cell where you want the list to appear. Then, you navigate to the Data tab and click on Data Validation. In the Data Validation dialog, you choose "List" from the Allow dropdown menu. Next, you can specify the source of the list items, either by typing them in directly, separated by commas, or referencing a range of cells that contain the list items. This setup ensures that users can only enter values that are part of the defined list, which helps maintain data integrity and consistency.

The other methods mentioned are not suitable for creating dropdown lists. While the Format Cells option focuses on cell formatting such as font size or color, it does not provide any functionality for dropdowns. Inserting a Form Control relates to adding elements like buttons or checkboxes to a worksheet, which is distinct from creating a dropdown selection. Applying Conditional Formatting is used to change the appearance of cells based on certain conditions, which again does not involve creating selectable lists.