How to color code drop down list in Google Sheets
You can watch a video tutorial here.
![](https://spreadcheaters.com/wp-content/uploads/Final-Image-How-to-color-code-drop-down-list-in-Google-Sheets.png)
To validate the data that is entered in a cell in Google Sheets, it is possible to define the list of values that are allowed by creating a drop-down list. This is especially useful when creating data entry forms and you need to restrict the values that are entered. Having created a drop-down list you can then color code the values selected so that it is easier to differentiate the different responses.
Step 1 – Open the Conditional format rules pane
![](https://spreadcheaters.com/wp-content/uploads/Step-1-–-How-to-color-code-drop-down-list-in-Google-Sheets.png)
– Select the cell which contains the drop-down list
– Go to Format > Conditional Formatting
Step 2 – Create the rule for the first value
![](https://spreadcheaters.com/wp-content/uploads/Step-2-–-How-to-color-code-drop-down-list-in-Google-Sheets.png)
– Define the parameters:
>Apply to range: Leave ‘C3’
>Format cells if: Choose ‘Text is exactly’
Enter ‘=G2’
>Formatting style: Choose a fill color
– Click Add another rule
Step 3 – Create rules for the other values
![](https://spreadcheaters.com/wp-content/uploads/Step-3-–-How-to-color-code-drop-down-list-in-Google-Sheets.png)
– Repeat Step 2 for the rest of the values in the drop-down
– Use the following cell references in each rule for the value under ‘Text is exactly’
>G3
>G4
>G5
– Change the color for each rule
– Click Done when all the rules have been added
Step 4 – Check the rules
![](https://spreadcheaters.com/wp-content/uploads/Step-4-–-How-to-color-code-drop-down-list-in-Google-Sheets.png)
– Check that rules are defined for all values
– Select a value from the drop-down and check that the correct rule is applied