how to create a Drop Down Sort Column in Excel for iMac

Question

Hello,

Could someone please help me with how to reproduce a Drop Down Sort Column like the one shown. 

I imported this spreadsheet but would like to reproduce the drop down sort columns as show for a new spreadsheet.

For example, if I click on the down arrow (carrot) for the Sector tab, I see this image.  How can I create the Sort Tab like "Sector" and then the filter shown here?

Answer 1

The main issue is that you are converting only one single column to a Table rather than converting the data range. There may be some rare instance where that would be appropriate but for the overwhelming majority of purposes a Table should encompass the entire data range [list of records]. If you Sort as it currently is, only the content of the Sector column will be sorted. IOW, that column is effectively disconnected from the remainder of the data.

The result will be that the content of that column no longer will be on the same row as the record to which it originally pertained. Unless you immediately Undo or close the file without changes there is no way of restoring the data to its original state other than reentering it.

I'm not sure what your aversion to the Sort/Filter buttons is but they are an all or nothing proposition. You can't apply the feature only to select individual columns in the range. Simply don't use the ones you don't need.

Answer 2

OK,

So I deleted the Sort Column and started over.

This time, I selected all the columns as you suggested but this is the result that I got.

How do I get ride of the Column 1,2,3,4,5,6 entry?

Answer 3

Hi,

I’m trying to test and convert all data as a table via clicking Insert> Table, but the column 1,2,3,4,5,6 won’t grey, we are not sure what exact steps you’re done, so maybe you can share the sample file with us to check more information.

 

Best regards,

Gloria

Answer 4

When you converted the range to a Table apparently the box was not checked for My table has headers. Accordingly, the feature added the generic headers for you... A table must have headers to identify the content of the column.

Select any one cell in the table. Use the Convert to Range tool on the Table contextual tab. Delete the generic headers then select any cell in the range & use Insert> Table once again - but make sure the box is checked so that your existing headers are used.

Answer 5

Hi,

Please feel free to post back to us if you need any further help.

Thanks,
Chitrahaas