How to Paste or Import Items into an Excel Custom Sort List
Question details
The user wants to know how to efficiently add a large number of items to a custom sort list in Excel without typing them one by one.
- Product
- Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating a custom sequence to streamline data sorting and AutoFill operations in a spreadsheet.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs the specific menu path and method to import a pasted range of cells into the Excel Custom Lists configuration.
Ensure that the list of items you want to use for custom sorting is pasted or typed into a single, contiguous column or row within your active worksheet.
Import a Custom Sort List from Worksheet Cells
Instead of typing items manually into the Custom Lists dialog, you can paste your data into the worksheet and use Excel's import feature to quickly generate the list.
This method is highly recommended for long lists (such as a list of employee names, regional territories, or specific product categories) as it prevents typographical errors and saves time.
Paste your desired sequence of items into a blank column or row in your current worksheet.
Highlight the entire range of cells that contain the list you just pasted.
Click the 'File' tab in the top-left corner of Excel, then select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu.
In the Excel Options window, click on 'Advanced' in the left pane. Scroll down to the 'General' section and click the 'Edit Custom Lists...' button.
In the Custom Lists dialog box, verify that your highlighted range appears in the 'Import list from cells' field. Click the 'Import' button, then click 'OK' to save your new custom sort list.
Easily Import Custom Sort Lists in WPS Office
WPS Office offers a streamlined, highly intuitive Spreadsheet application where you can effortlessly import cell ranges to create custom sort sequences, functioning identically to Microsoft Excel.
- 1. Paste your list: Open a new or existing workbook in WPS Spreadsheet and paste your sequence items into a blank column.
- 2. Select the data: Highlight the range of cells containing the items you wish to add to your custom list.
- 3. Navigate to Options: Click the 'Menu' button in the top-left corner, click 'Options', and then select 'Custom Lists' from the left sidebar.
- 4. Import and apply: Ensure your selected cell reference is visible in the import box, click 'Import' to add your items to the collection, and click 'OK'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I edit an imported custom list later?
Yes, you can edit it at any time. Navigate back to the Custom Lists dialog box, select your list from the left panel, make your changes in the 'List entries' box, and click 'Add' to update it.
Are custom lists saved specifically to the current workbook?
No, custom lists are generally saved to your computer's registry, meaning they are globally available for any workbook you open on that specific computer.
Is there a limit to the size of a custom sort list?
Yes, the maximum length for a single custom list entry is 255 characters. While you can import many items, extremely massive lists may be restricted by available system memory.
Why is the 'Edit Custom Lists' button missing in Excel?
The button is not missing but is located deep within the settings. You must go to File > Options > Advanced, and then scroll almost all the way to the bottom to find the 'General' section where the 'Edit Custom Lists' button resides.
