Excel drop down list font size too small and zoom not affecting drop down list

Question

Hi,

I am using a data validation list to assist in data entry for users. However, the font is too small to read for some users (including me). Other answers have recommended using zoom. But this is not affecting the view of the dropdown list for me.

I have added a screen shot showing the 400% zoom with the tiny list.

Has something changed in the latest version? Using Win 11 and Desktop app excel.

Plese note I am working in an organisation where VBA and macros are disabled for security reasons. So, a VAB solution will not work for me.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Please tell me Microsoft has this on the backlog to fix asap? :)

Thanks

Isabel

Edited: to add the screenshot, to show the zoom not affecting the dropdown list.

Answer 1

Dear Isabel Burns,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community.

Based on your description, I understand you're hoping for some help with the issue where the font size in Excel’s drop-down lists remains too small, even when zooming in.

First, please kindly allow me to provide you some information that drop-down box in data validation is not configurable.

But according to my research and testing in my environment (as shown in the screenshot below), I’d like to share some information, and you could try:

In fact, there is no direct way for us to increase the font size of the drop-down list, but you can apply the following VBA code to change the drop-down list cells zoom setting to make the text appear larger. Please do as follows:

1. Go the worksheet which contains the drop-down list that you want to increase its font size.

2. Right click the sheet tab, and select View Code from the context menu, in the popped-out Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications window, please copy and paste the following code into the blank Module window:

VBA code: Increase drop down list font size to enlarge the cell zoom

 Private Sub Worksheet_SelectionChange(ByVal Target As Range)
'updateby Extendoffice
    On Error GoTo LZoom
    Dim xZoom As Long
    xZoom = 100
    If Target.Validation.Type = xlValidateList Then xZoom = 400
LZoom:
    ActiveWindow.Zoom = xZoom
End Sub

3. Then save and close this code, now, when you click the drop-down list cells, the cell’s zoom will be enlarged, and the drop-down list will be appeared larger, but, when you click other cells do not contain the drop-down list, the cell zoom will be normal.

Note: In the above code, xZoom = 400 will change the drop-down list cells zoom to be 400, you can change this zoom number to your need.

The above step still doesn't enlarge the Excel dropdown list, so you can try this alternative solution: You can use an ActiveX ComboBox instead of Data Validation

You can replace the default dropdown with a ComboBox (ActiveX Control), which allows you to customize font size, zoom level, etc.

• Go to the Developer tab > Insert > choose ComboBox (ActiveX Control)
• Draw the ComboBox on your sheet
• Right-click the ComboBox > Properties: Font.Size = 14 (or larger) ListFillRange = A1:A4 (or the range containing your list)
• Use the ComboBox1_GotFocus event to automatically zoom in if needed

If you can't see the "Developer" option, please kindly choose "File" > "Options" > "Customize Ribbon" > unable "Developer".

I hope these steps help resolve the issue. Since we are not Microsoft employees, but participants in this community, you need Microsoft to solve this problem in subsequent system updates. I suggest that you may need to submit your problem in the Feedback Center. Ideas · Community 
If you think my reply is helpful to you, please remember to mark it as an answer.

Greatly appreciate again for your patience and understanding.  

Best regards,  

Jade - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Answer 2

Dear Isabel,

Good day. I hope you're doing well.

I just wanted to follow up on the solution I shared regarding the issue with the small font size in Excel’s drop-down lists. I understand how frustrating it can be when the interface doesn’t behave as expected, especially when zooming in doesn’t help.

Have you had a chance to try the steps I provided, including the VBA workaround and the alternative using an ActiveX ComboBox? I’d like to know if either of those approaches helped improve the visibility of your drop-down list items.

If you encountered any difficulties while applying the solution or if the issue still persists, please don’t hesitate to let me know. I’d be happy to assist further or explore other possible workarounds with you.

Looking forward to hearing how things went on your end.

Warm regards,

Jade - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist