In an Excel workbook you might have a worksheet that contains several lists that you use as the source for data validation drop-down lists.
Worksheet List
For example, this worksheet has a list of countries, and lists of regions within those countries.
If each list has a heading, you can quickly create named ranges from the lists.
Create the First Named Range
To quickly create a named range, follow these steps:
- Select the heading and the items in the first list that you want to name.
- On the Excel Ribbon, click the Formulas tab
- In the Defined Names group, click Create from Selection
- (Note: In Excel 2003 and earlier versions, click Insert > Name > Create)
Create Names dialog box
- In the Create Names dialog box, add a check mark to Top row
- Next, remove any other check marks, then click OK.
Name the Remaining Ranges
To name the next range, follow these steps:
- First, select the range’s heading and items
- Next, on the keyboard, press the F4 key
- This is the Repeat Last Action keyboard shortcut
- Repeat for all the remaining ranges.
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Deb, good tip. I’m often amazed at how I’ve missed some of these things. I’ve always gone straight for Define Name and never even tried to see what Create does. I’m a creature of habit, I guess.
Ctrl+Shif+F3 – Especially if you are on 007
Tim, if we stopped to look at all the options in Excel, we’d never get any work done!
Sam, thanks, nice keyboard tip!
[…] Quickly Create Named Ranges using F4 Key […]
I use this even if I want to define a dynamic range. First, it lets me test formulas in dependent cells even before I have a chance to break the dynamic refers-to formula. Second, it gives me at least a starting point for defining the dynamic name.
Jon, that’s a good idea. Thanks for the tip.
It works except one time the dropdown list included the “title” of the range (it was a yes / no)???