Exploring Form Controls

Form Controls are objects that you can use to add interactivity to an Excel worksheet. Unlike Data Validation, users can’t circumvent Form Controls by pasting over the data. Figure 5.31 shows the Developer | Insert command and displays three of the types of Form Controls that are available.

Figure 5.31 – Insert command and Form Controls

I’ll demonstrate the following Form Controls:

• The Combo Box in cell D5
• The Checkbox in cell D7
• The Option Button in cell D9

I don’t have space to go very deep on Form Controls, but mastering the preceding three types will give you a good sense of how Form Controls work.

Nuance

As you can see in Figure 5.31, Excel offers both Form Controls and ActiveX Controls. Typically, Form Controls will enable you to create the interactivity that you’re seeking. ActiveX Controls are similar but more sophisticated. For instance, you must enable Design...