| How to Create a Drop Down List in Excel Posted: 14 Apr 2021 01:00 AM PDT This wikiHow teaches you how to create a drop-down list in a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, using a computer. This feature allows you to create a list of items to choose from, and insert a drop-down selector into any empty cell on your spreadsheet. The drop-down feature is only available on desktop versions of Excel. [Edit]Creating A List - Open the Excel spreadsheet file you want to edit. You can find and double-click a saved Excel file on your computer, or open Microsoft Excel and create a new worksheet.
- Enter the list of values for your drop-down in a column. Make sure to enter each drop-down entry in a separate, consecutive cell in the same column.
- For example, if you want your drop-down list to include "New York," "Boston," and "Los Angeles," you can type "New York" in cell A1, "Boston" in cell A2, and "Los Angeles" in cell A3.
- Click the empty cell you want to insert your drop-down. You can insert a drop-down list in any empty cell on your spreadsheet.
- Click the tab on the toolbar ribbon. You can find this button above the toolbar at the top of your spreadsheet. It will open your data tools.
- Click the button on the "Data" toolbar. This button looks like two separate cell icons with a green checkmark and a red stop sign. It will open a new pop-up.
- Click the drop-down in the "Data Validation" pop-up. You can find this menu in the pop-up's "Settings" tab.
- The Data Validation pop-up automatically opens up to the Settings tab.
- Select in the "Allow" drop-down. This option will allow you to create a list in the selected empty cell.
- Check the option. When this option is checked, you will create a drop-down list in the selected cell on your spreadsheet.
- Check the option (optional). When this option is checked, users will be able to leave the drop-down empty without an error message.
- If the drop-down you're creating is a mandatory field, make sure not to check this box here. Otherwise, you can leave it unchecked.
- Click the text box under "Source" in the pop-up. You can select the list of values you want to insert into your drop-down here.
- Select your drop-down's list values on the spreadsheet. Use your mouse to select the list of values you want to insert into your drop-down on the spreadsheet.
- For example, if you have "New York," "Boston," and "Los Angeles" in cells, A1, A2, and A3, make sure to select the cell range from A1 to A3.
- Alternatively, you can manually type your drop-down list values into the "Source" box here. In this case, make sure to separate each entry with a comma.
[Edit]Customizing List Properties - Click the tab in the "Data Validation" pop-up. It's at the top of the pop-up window. This tab will allow you to create a pop-up message to display next to your drop-down list.
- Check the option. This option allows you to display a tiny pop-up message when the drop-down is selected.
- If you don't want to show a pop-up message, just leave the box unchecked.
- Enter a "Title" and an "Input Message." You can use this area to explain, describe or provide more information about the drop-down list.
- The title and input message you enter here will show up on a tiny, yellow pop-up sticky next to the drop-down when the cell is selected.
- Click the tab at the top of the pop-up. This tab will allow you to display a pop-up error message whenever invalid data is entered into your drop-down cell.
- Check the option. When this option is checked, an error message will pop up when a user types invalid data into the drop-down cell.
- If you don't want an error message to pop-up, leave the box unchecked.
- Select an error style in the drop-down. You can select an option from Stop, Warning, and Information here.
- The Stop option will show a pop-up error window with your error message, and stop users from entering data that isn't in the drop-down list.
- The Warning and Information options will not stop users from entering invalid data, but show an error message with the yellow "!" or blue "i" icon.
- Enter a custom "Title" and "Error message." (optional) Your custom error title and message will pop up when invalid data is entered into the drop-down cell.
- You can leave these fields empty. In this case, the error title and message will default to Microsoft Excel's generic error template.
- The default error template is titled "Microsoft Excel," and the message reads "The value you entered is not valid. A user has restricted values that can be entered into this cell."[1]
- Click the button in the "Data Validation" pop-up. This will create and insert your drop-down list into the selected cell.
- After you finish creating your drop-down list, open the drop-down list to make sure all the items you entered display properly. In some cases, you may need to widen the cell in order to display all your items fully.
- When typing the list of items for your drop-down list, type them in the order in which you want them to appear in the drop-down menu. For example, you can type your entries in alphabetical order to make it easier for users to find certain items or values.
[Edit]Warnings - You will not be able to access the "Data Validation" menu if your worksheet is protected or shared. In this case, make sure to remove the protection or unshare the document, and then try to access the Data Validation menu again.[2]
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Repair Laminate Floor Scratches Posted: 13 Apr 2021 05:00 PM PDT Laminate flooring is very scratch-resistant, but even the toughest floorboards need a touch-up now and then. Scratches can occur when you move heavy furniture or drop items on the floor. Shallow scratches from these sources are easy to repair by rubbing a repair pencil over the floor. If the scratches extend below the floor surface, fill them in with wood putty. You can also melt wax burn-in sticks to fill and blend in stubborn scratches. Color and smooth scratches with care to make your laminate look pristine again. [Edit]Coloring Scratches with a Pencil or Marker - Purchase a floor repair pencil or marker. These products are the easiest way to touch up a laminate floor. They come in a range of shades, so pick the one that most closely matches your floor color. Repair pencils and markers are the same wax-based products despite their labeling, so it doesn't matter which kind you get.[1]
- Find repair pencils and markers online or at your local home improvement store.
- These repair pencils and markers are often useful on wood and vinyl, too. If you can't find one specifically labeled for use on laminate, check for ones that work on wood.
- Clean and dry the floor before repairing it. Dirt and debris spoil a repair, so take care of any scratch before laying down filler material. Sweep the floor clean with a dust mop or a vacuum. If you're facing a stubborn stain, use some warm water and a mild detergent safe for laminate floors.[2]
- If you're in a hurry to get to the repairs, dry the floor off with a clean microfiber cloth after washing it with water.
- Apply the filler across the length of the scratch. Using a floor repair pencil or a marker is a lot like coloring between the lines on a picture. Start at one end of the scratch, then gradually work your way to the other. Move the pencil or marker in short, controlled strokes to ensure you cover the entire scratch.[3]
- The more filler you apply, the darker the material looks. Use it as sparingly as possible at first, then go back over the scratch to fill it and match its color to the rest of the floor.
- Rub the edges of the scratch with a soft cloth to blend in the filler. Select a clean microfiber cloth, then begin working from one end of the scratch to the other. Move the cloth slowly around the scratch to buff it, smoothing out the wax filler. Continue doing this until the scratch and the repair material is well-hidden on the floor.[4]
[Edit]Applying a Putty to Moderate Scratches - Buy a repair kit or a bottle of putty that matches your floor. If you get a repair kit, it usually includes several different colors of dye along with any applicators you need for the repair. Pre-colored putty is also sold separately, but you have to match it with the color of your floor. The pre-dyed putty often comes in a squeezable container that makes it easier to apply.[5]
- Check for repair kits and putty online or at your local home improvement store.
- It may also be labeled as laminate paste or filler.[6]
- Putty is better than pencil and marker fillers for fixing moderate scratches and gouges. If the scratch isn't surface-level, you probably need putty.
- Clean the scratches out with a microfiber cloth, soap, and water. Get rid of any debris in the area before trying to cover up the scratches. Wipe out as much dirt as possible with a clean microfiber cloth, then scrub the remainder with soap mixed into a bucket of hot water. Try using of a mild dish detergent or baby shampoo to avoid damaging the laminate.[7]
- Let the floor dry completely when you're done or wipe it dry with another clean cloth. Make sure you don't see any debris left in the scratches.
- Mix the dye in with the putty to color it if needed. If you have a colorless putty or one that doesn't match your floor, alter it before applying it. With a kit, all you have to do is place some of the putty in a small container, add a few drops of dye, then stir it it with a putty knife. Pre-dyed putty is already colored, but you can add additional coloring to it so it better matches your floor.[8]
- If you don't have dyes, try using acrylic or oil-based paint from an art supply store.
- Use dyes sparingly. Add a few drops at a time, mixing the putty to see what color you get. Then, add more if you need to darken the putty.
- Spread the putty over the scratch using a putty knife. Use a plastic knife since a metal one might cause additional scratches on your floor. To apply the putty, pick some of it up with the edge of the knife, then hold the knife at about a 45-degree angle to the floor.[9] Rub the knife over the scratch a few times, getting more putty as needed to fill the entire scratch. When you're done, turn the knife on its side and scrape it across the scratch to level out the putty.[10]
- Run the knife over the scratch in a few different directions. Doing this ensures the putty applies as evenly as possible.
- Fresh putty is very easy to clean up, so don't worry about overfilling the scratch. You are better off overfilling the scratch a little bit to ensure you use enough putty to fill it.
- Remove the excess putty with a dry paper towel right away. The putty begins solidifying within 30 minutes, so take care of anything outside of the scratch as soon as possible. Carefully rub the area around the scratch with a paper towel to blend it in with the rest of the floor. If the putty begins hardening before you're done, dip the paper towel in some of the soap and warm water you used to clean the floor.[11]
- Old wood putty is difficult to remove. Once the putty hardens, it has to be scraped off with tools like a chisel and scraper blade.
- The filler may require up to 24 hours to dry completely.[12]
[Edit]Filling Deeper Scratches with Wax - Purchase a repair kit or separate wax filler sticks. Wax sticks are similar to filler pencils and markers except they are solid blocks that take a little more effort to apply. Kits typically include different colors of wax blocks you have to mix together to match your floor color. They also include a handheld burn-in knife or a similar applicator that melts the wax. If you buy your own wax filler sticks, make sure you get one that matches your floor color.[13]
- Kits and filler sticks are available online as well as many home improvement stores. If you're getting separate filler sticks, look for products called burn-in sticks. Any wax advertised for use on wood also works on laminate floors.
- If you can't find the exact color of wax you need, get the closest colors. Get a lighter brown and a darker brown, for instance, to mix to the shade you need.
- Wax sticks are the best way to fill in deeper scratches and gouges, especially if you can't find a putty in the right shade you need. It is harder to apply than a putty, but you have more of an opportunity to adjust the filler's coloring.
- Unwrap the wax and turn on the melter. The wax comes in a solid bar that melts only after you heat it. Take some of the wrapping off of each bar you plan on using to fill in the scratch. Then, turn on the burn-in knife if you have one. If you don't have a melter, find an alternative way to melt the wax, such as by warming up a knife or by holding a butane lighter or torch close to it.[14]
- Another way to fill in gaps in the floor is by using a crayon. Remove the wrapper, then melt it in the microwave. Rub the melted wax over the gaps for an easier but slightly less effective way of repairing scratches.
- Rub the melted wax into the scratch using the knife. Press the burn-in knife against the wax bar to melt a little bit of it, just enough to cover the tip. After you have some wax, press the knife's tip down on the scratch. Smear the wax across the scratch to fill it. Keep applying more wax as needed to fill in the damaged area.[15]
- If you need to color match the wax to your floor, start with the lightest color and work up to the darkest. Apply the wax a little bit at a time to get it to the color you desire.
- You can mix different colors of wax directly in the crack. If you wish to do a test run first, mix the wax in a small container or on a scrap piece of paper, then move it into the scratch.
- Level out the filler with a credit card or another tool. Most kits come with a special tool you can rub over the scratch without scraping your floor. If you don't have this, get something solid, such as a stiff card or a putty knife. After waiting about 30 seconds for the wax to cool, hold your scraper on its side and brush it across the wax to remove the excess.[16]
- Try to flatten out the scratched area as much as possible. Leaving a little overflow is okay, since you can always remove the excess wax before it dries.
- Buff the area with a paper towel to remove excess wax. Take your cloth and work carefully around the filled-in area. Wipe along the edges of the scratch and the applied filler. Doing this removes any excess wax left over while also blending the scratch in with the rest of the floor.[17]
- Check your work by standing up and looking at the repair from a few different angles. If you repaired it well enough, you won't be able to spot it very easily. Make sure you got all of the wax outside of the scratch.
- Fix scratches as soon as you notice them to prevent them from getting worse. Surface-level scratches are much simpler to repair than deeper ones.
- If your floor has very deep scratches or gouges in it, you may need to replace damaged panels. Cut out the panels and fit new boards into the open slots.
- To protect your floorboards from damage, lay down floor mats and floor protectors. Put them underneath furniture to avoid a common cause of scratches.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Coloring Scratches with a Pencil or Marker - Floor repair pencil or marker
- Dry dust mop
- Mild dish detergent
- Soap
- Water
- Microfiber cloth
[Edit]Applying a Putty to Moderate Scratches - Laminate filler putty
- Microfiber cloth
- Mild dish detergent
- Water
- Putty knife
- Paper towel
[Edit]Filling Deeper Scratches with Wax - Wax filler sticks
- Burn-in knife
- Scraper tool or credit card
- Paper towel
[Edit]References |
| How to Read with Good Posture Posted: 13 Apr 2021 09:00 AM PDT If you've ever sat up after getting lost in a good book for a few hours and discovered that your neck, back, or legs were sore, you're not alone. It's easy to get caught up in what you're reading and end up shifting into an unhealthy position that feels right at the time, but is ultimately not very good for your body. The goal of reading with proper posture is to maintain a neutral spine where your back is lined up perfectly over your hips to avoid putting unnecessary strain on your body. Remember to take frequent breaks while you're reading for an extended period of time. If you don't, you may get sore or strain a muscle regardless of the position you're sitting in. [Edit]Sitting Correctly - Maintain a straight spine while reading to avoid back pain. The straighter that you can keep your spine, the less pressure you're putting on your lower back. If you're sitting, rest your butt against the junction where the back of the chair meets the seat. Alternatively, if you're lying down, keep your spine level with your neck. This will make it easier to keep your spine straight without even thinking about it![1]
- This will also make it impossible for you to lean too far back if you're in a chair, since your tailbone will be directly underneath your spine.
- Don't worry if this feels a little goofy at first. Many people naturally develop poor posture over the years, but it's nothing some good habits can't change. You'll get used to this over time.
- The term "straight spine" is a little misleading, since you have some natural curvature in your back. You know that your spine is straight if your shoulders are directly over your hips and your back is firm and upright.
- Keep your head straight and avoid tilting your neck. Keep your neck aligned with your spine and move your eyes to read from line to line instead of moving your entire head. Unless you're deliberately stretching your neck out, tilting your head at an angle will result in neck strain. It will also throw your center of gravity slightly off, which may inadvertently put some light pressure on your back.[2]
- If you've got a cushion on the top of your chair, use it as a headrest to keep your head still.
- Hold the book up a little under eye-level to avoid slouching forward.[3] Keep your elbows bent and hold the book up a little beneath your eyes. If you hold the book down near your lap, you'll bend your neck down while reading, which will strain your neck and upper back muscles while you enjoy your book.[4]
- Resting your elbows on a table or armchair will make this easier to do over a longer period of time. Otherwise, you can rest your elbows against your sides and bring the book a little closer to your eyes than you normally would.
- If you prefer to use an e-reader, opt for a lightweight model to make it easier to hold up in front of you.
- Read in a seat that allows your feet to reach the ground if possible. It is difficult to maintain proper posture if your feet can't touch the ground.[5] For ideal posture, choose a comfortable seat with a straight back that will allow you to rest your entire back against the chair. Any chair, sofa, or bench can work so long as you can sit with your knees at a 90-degree angle and your feet flat on the floor.[6]
- Recliners are great for maintaining good posture—especially if they have a footrest. Tilting your spine back 15-30 degrees while keeping your knees at a 90-degree angle is a great way to ensure that your spine stays straight. It tends to be a little harder to hold a book up in one of these chairs, though.
- While it may seem counterintuitive, a straight-backed chair is actually better for your posture than a soft sofa. You can still put a cushion on the straight-backed chair to make it more comfortable if you'd like.
- If you're reading in bed, prop yourself up against the headrest or wall with a pillow behind your back for more support.[7]
- Set your device on a small table or stand if you use a laptop or e-reader.[8] Get a laptop stand or small adjustable table and set it down in front of you. Set your laptop or e-reader on top of the stand or table so that the screen rests a little under eye level. If the device is on a platform, you won't need to slump forward to look at it, which can cause neck pain.[9]
- There are plenty of cheap options for e-reader stands and using one will keep your arms from getting tired from holding the e-reader up. When your arms get tired, you're bound to lower them eventually which will cause you to tilt your head down.
[Edit]Staying Comfortable and Preventing Strain - Keep the room well-lit to avoid straining your eyes or moving your neck. If the room is dark, you'll struggle to focus your eyes on the text. This means that you'll naturally squint your eyes and lean forward a little to get a better look at the words. If you're leaning forward, your spine won't be straight and your neck will be tilted over your lap. This can lead to a sore back and neck, in addition to strained eyes.[10]
- If you're using a digital e-reader or laptop, make the brightness of the screen lower than the brightest light in the room. It's relatively difficult for your eyes to focus on a bright digital screen against a dim background. If the digital screen is the brightest source of light in the room, it will strain your eyes and lead to headaches or eye pain.[11]
- Prop your feet up to keep your spine straight if you're sitting and need support. You can sit with your feet planted on the floor at a 90-degree angle, but if you're struggling to keep your spine straight, prop your feet up a little. Get a small footstool or ottoman and rest your feet on it so that they're raised off of the floor. Keep both feet flat on the surface of the platform.[12]
- Slide a rolled-up towel behind your lower back if it gets sore. For some people, it's more comfortable to cushion the lower back and brace it with additional support.[13] If your back is getting sore while you're seated, grab a small towel or cloth and roll it up. After sitting down, slide the towel behind your lower back, just above the edge of your tailbone.[14]
- You can use a small pillow instead of a towel if you prefer.
- You're not harming your posture by adding a cushion or towel. If you're comfortable, it's a good sign that your posture is correct!
- Giving the lower back additional cushioning is a great way to make sure you aren't leaning forward or back as well, since you'll be able to feel the towel sliding down if you lean forward, or compressing against the chair if you lean back.
- Take a 5-minute break every hour to avoid muscle strain.[15] After 60 continuous minutes of reading, stand up and walk around for a few minutes. Do some simple stretches or callisthenic exercises. You don't need to work up a sweat or anything, but a little bit of movement will stretch your muscles out and make it less likely that you get sore while you're reading.[16]
- Jumping jacks are a great simple way to work your body out for a minute or two.
- Stretch your arms, roll your neck around the stretch the muscles out, and bend over to touch your toes. You don't need a full workout or stretching session; a few simple stretches will do the tricks just fine
- Stretch your legs out in front of you periodically to keep the blood moving. While seated, your legs will be prone to falling asleep and stiffening up. To keep them from tightening up, stick your legs out in front of you and roll your ankles around in the air. Doing this for 5-10 seconds every once in a while will keep your legs from cramping up or falling asleep. A little physical movement will also help your body stay comfortable while you're sitting for a long period of time.[17]
- If something is uncomfortable for you, change the way you're sitting or lying down. If a certain position is unpleasant, it's better to break proper posture and be comfy than it is to maintain proper posture and be in pain.[18]
[Edit]References |
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