start typing in a cell with a drop down box and have it display matching results

[gnagystrap]

This is my first post and this may not be possible

I have an array of cells from B2 to M17, each cell has a drop down box that references a list in the first column on the second sheet. The list is a list of about 500 peoples names. Right now I can click the arrow on the drop down box and scroll to search for a name. I would like to be able to start typing a name in the cell and have the drop down box appear and only show the names that are matching what I am typing.

Example:

in cell B2 I want to enter the name joe smith. I can hit the arrow and the box will apear and I can scroll all the way down to the Js and then find joe smith.

I want to be able to type "jo" in B2 and the drop down box open and show me only names starting with "jo" to select, and it will automatically adjust as I type more letters (if I already have "jo" and it it showing me joes and johns and joyce, then it type "e" and it only shows the joes)

Thanks

[JBeaucaire]

This is a bit advanced to accomplish with JUST Data Validation. I demonstrate the technique fully here:

Single List Diminishing List

Here's a technique for using a single cell to first select a sub list of names, then use the same cell again to select final option.

Single List Diminishing List

The sample file on that page helps demonstrate the technique: AutoCompleteDataValidation(SortOf).xls

[shg]

There's an add-in that does this at https://app.box.com/shared/ono8ni9xvr, a readme at https://app.box.com/shared/4qxybepxxr, and an example workbook at https://app.box.com/shared/e8dbbple34

[gnagystrap]

thanks for the responses. I am using the easiest method and just copied my list to the same column and hid those cells, then just use the built in autocomplete. Not really what I wanted but for these purposes it works.

[JBeaucaire]

I've marked this thread as SOLVED for you.
Next time, select Thread Tools from the links above to mark a thread as SOLVED. Thanks.