How to Use Insert Dropdown List in WPS on macOS

Use Insert Dropdown List through 4 how-to topics, including applying an existing dropdown list and creating a custom dropdown list; 4 items are free and 0 items are membership-related.

How-to Index

How-to Guide

1. Apply an Existing Dropdown List

Entry path: Insert → Dropdown List → Select a preset template

1. Select the cell where you want to add a dropdown list.
2. Click the Insert tab and open Dropdown List.
3. In the panel, review the preset templates under the existing dropdown list area.
4. Choose a template that fits your scenario, such as Yes/No, Not Started/In Progress/Completed, or A/B/C.
5. Click the template to apply it to the selected cell.

Success Criteria

• The selected cell shows a dropdown arrow or selectable entry control.
• Clicking the cell lets you choose from the preset options.

Tips While Using

• Preset templates are useful for common scenarios. If none of them fits, create a custom dropdown list instead.
• After the dropdown is applied, the main benefit is more consistent input in later edits.

2. Create a Custom Dropdown List

Entry 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 open Dropdown List.
3. At the bottom of the panel, click Custom Dropdown List.
4. In the dialog box, enter each option one by one.
5. Click + Add Option to add more items.
6. Drag the handle on the left side of an item to reorder it, or click the delete icon on the right to remove it.
7. Turn on Multiple Selection, Color, or Apply to Other Same Dropdown Lists if needed.
8. Click OK to save the settings.

Success Criteria

• The target cell expands to show the custom options.
• The option order, color settings, or multiple-selection behavior matches your configuration.

Tips While Using

• Keep option names short and clear so they are easier to filter and review later.
• If you enable Apply to Other Same Dropdown Lists, matching dropdown rules can be updated together.

3. Open More Settings for a Custom Dropdown List

Entry 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 corner.
3. In the Settings area, choose how the options are sourced: manual input or a referenced range.
4. If you use manual input, enter the values and separate them with commas.
5. If you use a referenced range, select the cell range that will supply the dropdown options.
6. Turn Ignore Blank on or off as needed.
7. In the Error Alert area, choose how invalid input should be handled.
8. Enter the prompt title and message, then click OK to save.

Success Criteria

• The dropdown list shows options from the source you configured.
• Invalid input triggers the prompt or alert behavior you set.

Tips While Using

• A referenced range is useful when the option list changes often and needs easier maintenance.
• Keep prompt titles and messages short so collaborators can understand the rule quickly.

4. Clear a Dropdown List

Entry 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 open Dropdown List.
3. At the bottom of the panel, click Clear Dropdown List.
4. Check whether the selected cell no longer has the dropdown behavior.

Success Criteria

• The cell no longer shows a dropdown entry control.
• You can enter content into the cell like a regular cell again.

Tips While Using

• After you clear the dropdown list, the cell is no longer restricted by the previous option set.
• If you need structured input again, insert a new dropdown rule later.