Formatting Issues

How to Create Google Sheets-Style Chip Drop-Downs in Excel

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to replicate the visually appealing, colored chip-style drop-down lists found in Google Sheets within a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Enhancing the visual layout and user experience of a spreadsheet by applying stylized, color-coded drop-down menus.
Observed behavior: Excel lacks a native feature to display drop-down list options as rounded, colored chips, defaulting instead to standard plain-text drop-down menus.

Before you start

Ensure that you have your list of desired drop-down options typed out in a separate column or worksheet, as you will need to reference them for data validation.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Conditional Formatting as a Workaround

Since Excel does not natively support chip-style drop-downs, you can simulate the colored effect by combining standard data validation lists with conditional formatting.

While you cannot get the exact rounded 'chip' look natively in Excel, you can configure cells to automatically change their background color based on the drop-down selection. This provides the same visual distinction for data categorization.

Insert a Data Validation List

Select the cell where you want the drop-down. Navigate to the 'Data' tab on the ribbon, click 'Data Validation', choose 'List' from the 'Allow' drop-down menu, and select your source data range.

Open the Conditional Formatting Menu

Keep the cell with the new drop-down list selected. Go to the 'Home' tab, click on 'Conditional Formatting', and select 'New Rule'.

Set Up Specific Text Rules

Choose 'Format only cells that contain' from the rule types. In the rule description, set the first drop-down to 'Specific Text' and type the exact text of your first drop-down option in the adjacent box.

Apply Fill Colors

Click the 'Format' button, go to the 'Fill' tab, and choose a background color that matches the category. Click 'OK' to apply.

Repeat for Remaining Options

Repeat the 'New Rule' process for every option in your drop-down list, assigning a different fill color to each specific text.

Visual Limitation: This method colors the entire rectangular background of the cell rather than creating a smaller, rounded pill or chip shape within the cell.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I copy a chip-style drop-down from Google Sheets and paste it into Excel?

No. When you copy a chip drop-down from Google Sheets into Excel, the formatting will be lost. The data will paste as plain text or a standard data validation list without the rounded colored background.

Are there any add-ins that create exact chip drop-downs in Excel?

There are some custom third-party add-ins and developer tools available for Excel that attempt to create UI controls resembling chips. However, these can often cause file compatibility issues or macros security warnings when sharing the file with other users.

Will Microsoft add native chip drop-downs to Excel?

Microsoft frequently updates Excel with new features based on user feedback. While not currently available natively, you can monitor the Microsoft 365 Roadmap or submit a feature request via the Excel feedback portal.

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