Excel 2016: Add Date Picker to Cells

Streamlining your workflow in Excel 2016 often involves automating repetitive tasks, and adding a date picker to cells can significantly enhance efficiency. A date picker allows users to select dates from a calendar, reducing the risk of errors and speeding up data entry. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to add a date picker to cells in Excel 2016.

Before we dive into the process, ensure that your Excel 2016 is updated to the latest version. This feature is available in the Office 365 subscription and Excel 2016 standalone version. Let's get started!

Enabling the Developer Tab

The date picker feature is located in the Developer tab. If you don't see this tab, don't worry, we'll guide you on how to enable it.

To enable the Developer tab, right-click on the Ribbon and select 'Customize the Ribbon'. Check the box next to 'Developer' and click 'OK'.

Using the Form Control Date Picker

Excel offers two types of date pickers: Form Control and ActiveX. We'll start with the Form Control date picker, which is simpler to use but has fewer customization options.

To insert a Form Control date picker, click on the 'Developer' tab, then click on 'Insert' in the 'Controls' group. Select 'Form Controls' and click on 'Date Picker'.

Using the ActiveX Date Picker

The ActiveX date picker offers more customization options but is slightly more complex to use. To insert an ActiveX date picker, click on the 'Developer' tab, then click on 'Insert' in the 'Controls' group. Select 'ActiveX Controls' and scroll down to select 'Date Picker'.

Once inserted, right-click on the date picker and select 'Format Control'. Here, you can customize the date picker's appearance and behavior.

Assigning the Date Picker to a Cell

Now that you've inserted the date picker, it's time to assign it to a cell. Right-click on the date picker and select 'Assign Macro'. In the 'Assign Macro' dialog box, select 'New' and give your macro a name (e.g., 'DatePicker'). Click 'OK'.

In the 'Module1' window, you'll see a macro has been created. You can close this window now. The date picker is now assigned to the cell where you want to display the selected date. To display the date in a different cell, you'll need to use a formula.

Displaying the Selected Date in a Cell

To display the selected date in a cell, use the following formula: `=CELL("contents", "A1")`. Replace 'A1' with the cell reference where you've placed the date picker. This formula retrieves the contents of the cell and displays the selected date.

Remember to format the cell as a date by clicking on the cell, right-clicking, and selecting 'Format Cells'. In the 'Number' tab, select 'Date' and choose the date format you prefer.

Adding a date picker to cells in Excel 2016 can greatly improve your productivity and reduce errors. Whether you opt for the Form Control or ActiveX date picker, the process is straightforward and can be mastered with a little practice. Happy automating!