WPS Insert Dropdown List is a spreadsheet data-entry feature on macOS; it includes 4 core tasks, with 4 available without membership and 0 membership-related items.
At a Glance
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Core tasks | 4 | Matches the number of rows in the How-to Index |
| Available without membership | 4 | Matches the number of Free rows in the index |
| Membership-related items | 0 | All listed tasks are available directly |
| Version suggestion | Latest WPS Office for Mac | Helps keep menus and feature entry points consistent |
About This Feature
Overview
Insert Dropdown List is a built-in spreadsheet feature in WPS Office for Mac that lets you create selectable options in cells. It helps standardize data entry, reduce manual input errors, and improve filling efficiency in sheets.
Core tasks include:
- Apply an existing dropdown list: Use preset templates such as Yes/No, task status, or A/B/C.
- Create a custom dropdown list: Add, delete, and reorder options, and enable multi-select or colors when needed.
- Open more settings: Set a title and message for input that does not meet the defined conditions.
- Clear a dropdown list: Remove the dropdown rule from a cell while keeping existing cell content.
This feature is useful for task tracking, approval records, category grading, registration forms, and structured spreadsheet entry.
System Requirements
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating system | A macOS device that can run WPS Office for Mac |
| App version | The latest WPS Office version is recommended so the Insert and Dropdown List entry points are easy to find |
| Network | No mandatory internet connection is required for local dropdown editing; downloading, installation, and account-related services require network access |
| Other | Open a WPS Spreadsheet file and make sure you have permission to edit the target worksheet |
Download & Installation
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official download | WPS Office Free Download |
| Installation | Download the Mac installer, follow the on-screen steps, and launch WPS Office |
| Post-install check | Open WPS Spreadsheet, select a cell, and confirm that the Dropdown List entry is available on the Insert tab |
Source: WPS download page
Compare with Alternatives
| Dimension | WPS | Microsoft | Notion | Adobe | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capability Summary | Lets you apply preset dropdown templates in spreadsheet cells, create custom options, set multi-select and colors, open more settings, and clear the dropdown rule. | Word can add drop-down list content controls in forms and lets users add list choices through control properties. | Google Docs supports dropdowns through smart chips and the @ menu for document collaboration and status marking. | Notion databases support Select, Status, and Multi-select properties for categorization, progress tracking, and tag-based selection. | Acrobat forms support drop-down and list box fields with item lists, sorting, immediate commit, and custom text options. |
| WPS Advantages | Advantage: It is designed for spreadsheet cell entry, with preset templates, custom options, more settings, and clear actions grouped in one workflow for everyday sheet editing. | Compared with WPS: It focuses on Word form controls rather than spreadsheet cell entry workflows. | Compared with WPS: Its dropdown capability is centered on document collaboration content instead of spreadsheet-style cell validation. | Compared with WPS: It is built around database property management, which fits information organization but is different from traditional spreadsheet cell dropdown setup. | Compared with WPS: It mainly targets PDF form field configuration rather than spreadsheet editing scenarios. |
| Official Source | — | Create a form in Word | Insert smart chips in Google Docs | Database properties | Field specific properties |
Overall Conclusion
If your main goal is structured entry inside spreadsheet cells, WPS Insert Dropdown List fits that workflow more directly. Other products also provide selectable options, but they are more focused on document forms, database properties, or PDF forms.
Use Cases
| No. | Scenario | Suitable for | Main challenge | How this feature helps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Task status tracking | Project members and team leads | Status values are entered inconsistently and are hard to summarize | Apply preset options such as Not Started, In Progress, and Completed |
| 2 | Approval result records | Admin, finance, and HR teams | Manual input can create inconsistent wording | Use Yes/No or custom approval options for consistent entry |
| 3 | Grading and classification sheets | Teachers, trainers, and operations staff | Many categories slow down entry | Use preset A/B/C templates for faster input |
| 4 | Forms and registration sheets | Researchers and event organizers | Many options require controlled input | Create a custom dropdown list and add input prompts |
| 5 | Legacy sheet maintenance | Spreadsheet maintainers | Old dropdown rules need to be updated or removed | Clear the existing dropdown list and create a new rule |
Membership & Benefits
Free vs WPS Premium
| Capability | Free users | WPS Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Insert Dropdown List | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| Use preset templates | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| Custom options, multi-select, colors, and more settings | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| Other advanced office and extended benefits | Available within the free offering | Includes more advanced features and extended services |
Source: WPS Office pricing page
Recommendations
| Usage scenario | Recommended plan | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday spreadsheet entry and status tracking | Free | Insert Dropdown List tasks are available directly and fit routine data-entry work |
| Broader office needs beyond dropdown lists | WPS Premium | Suitable if you also need more advanced office features and extended services |
How to Subscribe
- WPS membership center: Subscribe now
Source: WPS Office pricing page