Skip to main content

Cell Types

Cell types define the kind of content in a cell, how it appears, and how you can interact with it.

The table below lists each available cell type. Select a link to learn how to create that type. For steps to edit or remove a cell type, see Edit or remove a cell type.

Cell TypeDescription
ButtonDisplays a clickable button in a cell and lets you set appearance properties such as color and text. You can use a button to trigger an action directly from a workbook.
CheckboxAdds a checkbox to a cell with three states: checked, unchecked, or indeterminate. You can customize the text and let users toggle options directly within the workbook.
Combo boxShows a dropdown list, optionally allowing text entry to auto-select matching items. Use it to let users easily control what data is shown.
HyperlinkDisplays text that acts as a hyperlink. You can customize the color, display text, and add a tooltip.
Range TemplateDefines a cell as a reusable template to load various types of data, including multiple rows or columns. The cell value resolves the data path in the template.
Checkbox ListLists multiple checkboxes in a single cell for multi-selection. Lets users select or deselect values from the list.
Radio button ListAllows a single selection from a list of radio buttons embedded in one cell. Use it when only one option should be selected.
Button ListDisplays a list of buttons within a cell for single or multiple selections. You can configure the layout to match your needs.

Create a cell type​

Create a button​

  1. On the Home tab, in the Styles section, select Cell Editors > Cell Type > Button.
  2. In the Button CellType dialog, set the margins, choose a background color, and enter the button text.
  3. Select OK.

Create a checkbox​

  1. On the Home tab, in the Styles section, select Cell Editors > Cell Type > CheckBox.
  2. In the CheckBox CellType dialog, enter text in the True and False fields to define the states.
  3. To include the indeterminate state, select the IsThreeState checkbox and enter text in the Indeterminate field.
  4. Choose the text alignment. By default, text appears on the right.
  5. Set the box size, or select Auto to size it automatically.
  6. Select OK.

Create a combo box​

If the item width is smaller than the cell width, the combo box adjusts to match the cell width. If the item width is larger, it expands to fit the longest item.

The dropdown list displays a maximum of 20 items. Use the up or down arrow keys to navigate the list. Use the left and right arrow keys to confirm the selection and move to the next or previous cell. Press Enter to confirm the selection or Esc to cancel.

  1. On the Home tab, in the Styles section, select Cell Editors > Cell Type > ComboBox.
  2. In the ComboBox CellType dialog, set the EditorValueType to determine what is written to the data model: Text, Index or Value.
  3. In the Items Height field, enter the item height.
  4. Select the Editable checkbox to allow text entry in the cell.
  5. Click Add to insert a list item.
  6. In the ItemProperties section, select the list item and define its display text and value.
  7. Select OK.
  1. On the Home tab, in the Styles section, select Cell Editors > Cell Type > Hyperlink.
  2. In the Hyperlink CellType dialog, choose the colors for the link and visited link.
  3. Enter the display text for the cell (this is not the actual hyperlink).
  4. Enter the tooltip text.
  5. Select OK.
  6. Right-click the cell and select Link....
  7. Enter the hyperlink URL in the Text to display field, then select OK.

Create a range template​

The range template uses the values from the data source and applies them using the format defined in the template sheet.

  1. In one sheet, create a template with the required text and formulas.
  2. In another sheet, set up the data source.
  3. In a third sheet, select the cells where you want to apply the range template.
  4. Insert the function to create the range template. For example, RANGEBLOCKSPARKLINE.
  5. On the Home tab, in the Styles section, select Cell Editors > Cell Type > Range Template.
  6. In the Range Template dialog:
    • In the Sheet Name field, select the worksheet that contains the data source.
    • Click the icon in the Range field.
    • Use your mouse to select the appropriate cells.
    • Click the icon again to return to the dialog.
  7. Select OK.

Create a checkbox list​

  1. On the Home tab, in the Styles section, select Cell Editors > Cell Type > Checkbox List.
  2. In the Checkbox List CellType dialog, select the Direction—vertical or horizontal.
  3. Choose the text alignment. By default, text appears on the right.
  4. Set the box size or select the Auto option.
  5. In the Row Count and Column Count fields, define the layout. For example, for 9 items, set the row count to 9. To preserve the layout when resizing the cell, clear the isFlowLayout option.
  6. Use the Vertical Space and Horizontal Space fields to adjust spacing between list items.
  7. Click Add to insert a list item.
  8. Select the list item and define its display text and value in the ItemProperties section.
  9. Select OK.

Create a radio list​

  1. On the Home tab, in the Styles section, select Cell Editors > Cell Type > Radio List.
  2. From the Radio List CellType dialog, select the Direction—vertical or horizontal.
  3. Choose the text alignment. By default, text appears on the right.
  4. Set the box size or select the Auto option.
  5. In the Row Count and Column Count fields, define the layout. For example, for 9 items, set the row count to 9. To preserve the layout when resizing the cell, clear the isFlowLayout option.
  6. Use the Vertical Space and Horizontal Space fields to adjust spacing between list items.
  7. Click Add to insert a list item.
  8. Select the list item and define its display text and value in the ItemProperties section.
  9. Select OK.

Create a button list​

  1. On the Home tab, in the Styles section, select Cell Editors > Cell Type > Button List.
  2. In the Button List CellType dialog, select the Selection Mode—multiple or single.
  3. Select the Direction: vertical or horizontal.
  4. To preserve the layout when resizing the cell, clear the isFlowLayout option.
  5. In the Row Count and Column Count fields, define the layout. For example, for 9 items, set the row count to 9.
  6. Use the Vertical Space and Horizontal Space fields to adjust spacing between list items.
  7. Set the background color for the selected buttons using the BackColor dropdown list. The text appears unless changed via the ForeColor dropdown menu.
  8. Click Add to insert a list item.
  9. Select the list item and define its display text and value in the ItemProperties section.
  10. Select OK.

Edit or remove a cell type​

Edit a cell type​

  1. Right-click the cell.
  2. Select Edit Cell Type.
  3. Make the necessary changes using the same steps described in the creation procedures.

Remove a cell type​

  1. Select the cell.
  2. On the Home tab, in the Styles section, select Cell Editors > Cell Type > Clear Cell Type.