Add a checkbox to the Excel spreadsheet

If you are compiling a spreadsheet for yourself, you simply need to leave a blank box for this purpose. To select it, just type x (or any other character). Then, use the formula with the function = isblank () to make the contents of that cell affect the rest of the spreadsheet.

But if you want more friendly spreadsheets - especially if you're designing spreadsheets for many others, use the technique below ( tested in Excel 2007 , 2010 and 2013 ) .

You can insert check boxes on the Excel Developer tab . Unfortunately, that tab is hidden by default. To make it visible in Excel 2010 or 2013, click the File tab > select Options > click Customize Ribbon .

You will see 2 lists. Make sure the list on the right is titled Main Tabs (1) . Click Developer (2).

If you are using Excel 2007 , click the Office sphere in the upper left corner> click the Excel Options button near the bottom right corner of the resulting pop-up box. Select Popular in the left pane> check the Show Developer tab in the Ribbon checkbox .

Once you can see the tab Developer , the following instructions work for all three versions:

To insert a checkbox, click the Developer tab > click the Insert icon in the Controls section. From the pop-up menu, select the checkbox icon in the Form Control section .

The cursor will turn into a plus sign. Click where you want the checkbox to appear. Then you can drag and drop it elsewhere.

Now you need to install the checkbox. Right-click on the checkbox > select Format Control . You will see many different options here, but the following two options are particularly important:

Click the Control tab > go to the Cell link > field and enter a cell address ( or click the icon on the right and select an address ). The contents of that cell will change when the checkbox is checked or unchecked, displays true or false, and thus allows you to create formulas that react to the state of the checkbox.

When you're done with the Control tab , click the Protection tab > uncheck Lock text > click OK to close the dialog box. This will allow you to edit the label of the checkbox ( by clicking on it ). After the change is complete, you can return to the Format Control dialog box> select again Lock text.