I'm trying to validate an entire column, column D, so that I can have only today's date as the dropdown =Today()
Is there a way to do that as the only selection?
I'm trying to validate an entire column, column D, so that I can have only today's date as the dropdown =Today()
Is there a way to do that as the only selection?
The fastest way to enter a static date in a cell is to press Ctl+; (that is: the Control key and, simultaneously, the semi-colon key).
If you want the current date in a drop-down list create a named range, for example:-
[A2] = TODAY()
[A3] = A2 + 7
[A4] = A3 + 7
[A5] = A4 + 7
Observe that you might copy A3 down for as far as you like. You might also let the range have only one cell.
In my example, select A2:A5. In the Name Bar (just above the A column) the cell address A2 will be displayed. Select that address (while still A2:A5 is selected) and type DropDownList (or another name you like). Enter Return and make sure that the Name Bar now shows the name you entered.
Now set up a cell with Data Validation. In the validation dialog box's Allow field select List. In the Source field enter =DropDownList (or the anme you assigned to ther ange with the list). The resulting validation drop-down will have today's date and 3 more dates, each spaced a week from the previous. The list will update daily but the value you select in the validated cell will be static.
Observe that the validated field will show a number like 43279 instead of the date you selected from the list. This isn't a mistake. It's an unformatted date. Select the cell, From the Ribbon's Home tab select Format > Format Cells. In the dialog box that opens select the Number tab. Select Date as category and choose among the pre-programmed Types. You might also select the Custom category and create your own custom date format.
Note that the named range could be on any sheet in your workbook, including a hidden sheet, or in any column of the same sheet as the validated cell, including a hidden column.