Adding "boxes" in Excel can refer to different types of elements, including interactive controls like combo boxes or check boxes, or graphical shapes like text boxes or rectangles. This guide covers how to add both, focusing on the interactive control mentioned in your reference.
In Excel, the term "box" isn't always specific. It often refers to adding either interactive form/ActiveX controls or graphical drawing objects. Let's look at how to add the most common types.
Adding Interactive Controls (Form or ActiveX Boxes)
Interactive controls, found on the Developer tab, allow users to interact with your worksheet. Examples include buttons, check boxes, option buttons, list boxes, and combo boxes.
Prerequisite: Enable the Developer Tab
If you don't see the "Developer" tab in your Excel ribbon, you need to enable it:
- Go to File > Options.
- Click Customize Ribbon.
- Under "Customize the Ribbon" on the right, check the box for Developer.
- Click OK.
The Developer tab will now appear in your ribbon.
How to Add a Combo Box (Dropdown List Box)
A combo box is a control that combines a text box with a list box, allowing users to select an item from a predefined list or type a new value. Based on the provided reference, here are the steps:
- Prepare Your List Data:
- As mentioned in the reference: "Pick a column that you can hide on the worksheet and create a list by typing one value per cell." This column will serve as the source for the items in your combo box's dropdown list.
- Access the Insert Menu:
- Click the Developer tab.
- In the "Controls" group, click Insert. As stated in the reference: "Click Developer Insert."
- Select the Combo Box Type:
- The Insert menu shows available controls. Under "Form Controls" or "ActiveX Controls," you will see the "Combo Box" option. Pick the one you want to add. The reference says: "Pick the type of combo box you want to add:".
- Draw the Combo Box:
- Click the cell where you want the top-left corner of the combo box to be placed.
- Drag your mouse to draw the box to the desired size and shape. The reference notes: "Click the cell where you want to add the combo box and drag to draw it."
Once added, you typically need to right-click the combo box, select "Format Control," and link it to your list data (Input Range) and a cell (Cell Link) where its selected value will appear.
Adding Other Interactive Controls
Other interactive controls like Check Boxes, Option Buttons (Radio Buttons), and List Boxes are added similarly:
- Go to the Developer tab.
- Click Insert in the "Controls" group.
- Select the desired control under "Form Controls" or "ActiveX Controls."
- Click and drag on the worksheet to draw the control.
Adding Graphical Shapes (Text Boxes, Rectangles)
If by "boxes" you mean visual elements for adding text labels, creating diagrams, or highlighting areas, you're likely looking for graphical shapes like Text Boxes or Rectangles.
How to Add a Text Box
Text boxes are useful for adding text labels that aren't tied to a specific cell.
- Go to the Insert tab.
- In the "Text" group, click Text Box.
- Click and drag on the worksheet to draw the text box. A cursor will appear inside, allowing you to type.
How to Add a Shape (Like a Rectangle)
You can add various shapes, including rectangles, squares, circles, and more, for visual purposes.
- Go to the Insert tab.
- In the "Illustrations" group, click Shapes.
- Under "Rectangles" or "Basic Shapes," click the Rectangle (or other shape) icon.
- Click and drag on the worksheet to draw the shape. You can then format it using the "Shape Format" tab that appears.
Whether you're adding interactive controls for data entry or graphical shapes for design, Excel provides straightforward tools via the Developer and Insert tabs.
