How to Insert Dropdown Lists in WPS on Windows

Use Insert Dropdown List through 4 practical topics in WPS Spreadsheet; all 4 are available without membership and 0 are membership-related.

How-to Index

How-to Guide

1. Apply an Existing Dropdown List

Feature path: Insert → Dropdown List → choose a preset template

1. Select the cell where you want to add a dropdown list.
2. Click the Insert tab and choose Dropdown List.
3. In the panel, find the area for applying an existing dropdown list.
4. Choose a preset template such as Yes/No, Not Started/In Progress/Completed, or A/B/C.
5. Apply the selected template to the current cell.

Success Criteria

• The selected cell shows a dropdown arrow or selectable entry point.
• You can choose values directly from the preset options.

Tips While Using

• Preset templates are useful when you need a quick standardized list.
• Adding a dropdown list does not automatically replace existing cell content.

2. Create a Custom Dropdown List

Feature path: Insert → Dropdown List → Custom Dropdown List

1. Select the cell where you want to add a dropdown list.
2. Click the Insert tab and choose Dropdown List.
3. Click Custom Dropdown List at the bottom of the panel.
4. In the dialog box, enter options one by one.
5. Click + Add Option to add more items.
6. Drag the handle on the left of an option to reorder it, or click the delete icon to remove it.
7. Turn on Multi-select, Color, or Apply to other same dropdown lists as needed.
8. Click OK to save the settings.

Success Criteria

• The target cell opens a dropdown with your custom options.
• Added, reordered, or deleted options match the final setup.

Tips While Using

• Multi-select works well for tag-style records, while single-select is better for status or level fields.
• If you enable Apply to other same dropdown lists, matching dropdown lists can be updated together.

3. Use More Settings in a Custom Dropdown List

Feature path: Insert → Dropdown List → Custom Dropdown List → More Settings

1. Open the Custom Dropdown List dialog box.
2. Click More Settings in the upper-right area.
3. Set how invalid input should be handled.
4. Enter a title for the prompt box.
5. Enter the prompt message content.
6. Click OK to save the settings.

Success Criteria

• A prompt can appear when entered content does not meet the rule.
• The configured title and message are used in the related validation scenario.

Tips While Using

• Keep the prompt short and clear so users can understand the rule quickly.
• This setting is useful for templates, registration sheets, and shared spreadsheets.

4. Clear a Dropdown List

Feature path: Insert → Dropdown List → Clear Dropdown List

1. Select the cell where you want to remove the dropdown list.
2. Click the Insert tab and choose Dropdown List.
3. Click Clear Dropdown List at the bottom of the panel.
4. Check the cell after the action is complete.

Success Criteria

• The target cell no longer shows the dropdown selection entry.
• Existing cell content remains in place.

Tips While Using

• Clearing a dropdown list does not automatically delete existing text in the cell.
• You can add a new preset or custom dropdown list again later if needed.