how to create multi-select dropdowns in google sheets
IN SUMMARY
Google Sheets does not have a built-in feature for creating multi-select dropdowns. However, there are several workarounds and alternative solutions to achieve this functionality.
Option 1: Custom Script
This solution involves importing a pre-built script into your Google Sheet. The script adds a new menu option called 'Sidebar' that opens a sidebar on the right side of the sheet. The sidebar contains a multi-select dropdown populated from a worksheet called 'Validation'. You can select multiple options, and the script will count the instances of each selected value.
This method allows you to create a multi-select dropdown directly within your Google Sheet. Additionally, it provides a count of the instances for each selected value, which can be useful for data analysis.
To use this solution, you need to import and run a pre-built script, which may require additional setup and permissions. Additionally, the customization options for the dropdown may be limited by the script's functionality.
Option 2: Google Forms
Google Forms allows you to create a question with checkboxes, enabling users to select multiple options. When you create a form from within Google Sheets, the form responses are automatically linked to the sheet.
Creating a Google Form with checkboxes is a straightforward process, and the form responses are automatically populated in the linked Google Sheet. Additionally, you can include an 'Other' option to allow users to enter custom values.
While this solution allows for multi-select options, it requires creating and sharing a separate Google Form. The selected options are not displayed as a dropdown within the sheet itself, but rather as form responses in a separate tab or sheet.
Option 3: Alternative Spreadsheet Applications
Some alternative spreadsheet applications, such as Notion and Airtable, have built-in support for multi-select dropdowns. These applications offer database-like functionality and allow you to create fields with multi-select options.
Applications like Notion and Airtable provide native support for multi-select dropdowns, eliminating the need for workarounds. Additionally, these applications often offer additional features and customization options beyond traditional spreadsheets.
Adopting a new application like Notion or Airtable may require learning a new interface and workflow. Additionally, there may be compatibility issues if you need to integrate with existing spreadsheet-based processes or share data with others using Google Sheets.