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How to Add a Date Picker or Drop-Down in Excel for Mac
Question details
The user wants to insert a date drop-down or interactive date picker into their Excel spreadsheet on a Mac.
- Product
- Excel for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Entering dates quickly and accurately into specific cells without having to manually type them out.
- Observed behavior
- Excel for Mac does not include the native ActiveX date picker control found in Windows versions, requiring users to install third-party add-ins to achieve this functionality.
Ensure that your Mac is connected to the internet and that you are signed in to your Microsoft account in Excel, as you will need to access the Office Add-ins store to download a calendar extension.
Install a Date Picker Add-in from the Microsoft Store
Since Excel for Mac lacks a built-in ActiveX date picker, installing a free add-in from the Microsoft Store is the most effective solution.
Excel for Mac does not support the traditional ActiveX controls used in the Windows version. To get a clickable calendar drop-down, you will need to use an Office Add-in like the 'Mini Calendar and Date Picker'.
Open your workbook in Excel for Mac. Look at the ribbon at the top of the window and click on the 'Insert' tab.
In the Insert menu ribbon, locate the 'Add-ins' group. Click on 'Get Add-ins'. Note: This may be labeled as 'Store' in older versions of Excel for Mac.
A new window for the Office Add-ins store will appear. Use the search box in the top-left corner to search for 'Date Picker' or 'Mini Calendar' and press Enter.
Review the available options. Find 'Mini Calendar and Date Picker' (or a similar highly-rated add-in) and click the 'Add' button next to it. Accept the terms and privacy policy to install it into your workbook.
Once installed, a mini calendar will appear as an object on your spreadsheet. Simply select the cell where you want to input a date, and then click the corresponding date on the mini calendar to instantly insert it.
Experience Hassle-Free Spreadsheets with WPS Office
If you frequently encounter limitations or missing features in Excel for Mac, try WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible, and user-friendly spreadsheet experience for Mac users without the need for complex add-in configurations.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac version of WPS Office for free.
- 2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded package and drag the WPS Office icon into your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Spreadsheets and open your existing Excel files to enjoy seamless editing and high performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the built-in Date Picker missing in Excel for Mac?
The native date picker in the Windows version of Excel relies on ActiveX controls (specifically the Microsoft MonthView Control). Because macOS natively does not support ActiveX technology, this feature is unavailable in Excel for Mac, necessitating the use of web-based Add-ins instead.
Are the date picker add-ins free to use?
Yes, many date picker add-ins, such as the popular 'Mini Calendar and Date Picker', are completely free to download from the Microsoft Add-ins store. Some third-party developers may offer premium versions with advanced formatting features, but the basic date insertion functionality is generally free.
How do I remove the date picker add-in from my spreadsheet?
To remove the calendar from your current sheet, simply click on the outer border of the mini calendar object to select it, and then press the Delete key. If you want to completely uninstall the add-in from your account, go to Insert > My Add-ins, click the three-dot menu icon next to the Date Picker add-in, and select 'Remove'.
