In desktop Excel for Windows, go to File > Options > Advanced > General > Edit Custom Lists to import a worksheet range, add or edit a user-created list, or delete one. Custom lists let Excel fill or sort values in a chosen order—such as High, Medium, Low—instead of alphabetically. Excel for Mac uses a different path, and Microsoft’s Mac instructions cover adding and sorting lists rather than importing a cell range or deleting a list.
What custom lists do
A custom list gives Excel an order for values that ordinary alphabetical sorting does not express, such as High, Medium, Low, clothing sizes, or compass directions. Excel can use the list when sorting data or filling a sequence. Microsoft’s guide covers Excel for Microsoft 365, Excel 2024, Excel 2021, Excel 2019, and Excel 2016 for Windows: Create or delete a custom list for sorting and filling data.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Custom lists can contain text or a mixture of text and numbers, but not a numbers-only sequence. If the entries are numbers, format them as text first. A list also cannot be based on formatting such as cell color, font color, or an icon. Microsoft’s Advanced Options guidance adds that an entry cannot begin with a number: Advanced options.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteImport a custom list from worksheet cells in Windows
Use the import route when the ordered values are already in a worksheet or the list is too long to enter conveniently in the dialog. Put one value per cell in the intended order, from top to bottom, and select the range before opening Options.
#1 Best Overall
- Over 215 Microsoft Windows Excel Shortcuts
- Two-Sided Durable Laminiated Sheet
- Designed for Excel on a Windows Computer
- In the worksheet, enter the list in the order Excel should use and select the cells.
- Open File > Options > Advanced > General > Edit Custom Lists.
- Check that the selected range appears in Import list from cells. Click Import.
- Click OK to close the Custom Lists dialog, then click OK again to close Excel Options.
If the selected range is not shown, return to the worksheet, select the intended cells, and reopen the dialog. Microsoft documents this workflow for Excel for Microsoft 365, Excel 2024, 2021, 2019, and 2016: Sort data using a custom list.
Add, edit, or delete a user-created list in Windows
Add a short list by typing it
For a short list, use the same File > Options > Advanced > General > Edit Custom Lists path. In the Custom Lists dialog, select NEW LIST, type each item in List entries, pressing Enter after each one, then click Add and OK. Click OK again to close Excel Options.
Rank #2
- Instant Copilot. Unlock new possibilities with the dedicated Copilot key, which gives you instant access to experiences that can enhance your productivity¹.
- Enhance your experience With the new microphone mute key and snipping key
- Full keyboard experience. Features a full mechanical keyset, backlit keys, and a large trackpad for precise navigation and control. Optimal key spacing allows fast, fluid typing.
- Slim and compact Performs like a traditional, full-size keyboard.
- Clicks in place instantly Use in combination with the Surface Pro (11th Edition), Pro 9 and Pro 8* kickstand for a perfect laptop experience anywhere.
Edit a list you created
In the Custom Lists dialog, select the user-created list in the Custom Lists panel and change its entries in List entries. Confirm the change to save it. Microsoft documents selecting an existing list and editing its entries in Advanced options.
Delete a list you created
In the same dialog, select the user-created list and click Delete, then confirm and close the dialogs. Built-in weekday and month lists are different: Microsoft states, “You cannot edit or delete a built-in list.” See Create or delete a custom list for sorting and filling data.
Rank #3
- EXCEL SHORTCUTS. ZERO SEARCHING. – Our bestselling reference mat puts an extensive collection of commonly used commands, formulas and helpful tricks directly beneath your fingertips so you can find answers fast, work smarter and stay in the flow.
- YOUR DESK. SMARTER. – Clearly organized sections for navigation, selection, formatting, data and functions make it easy to find the right Excel command exactly when you need it.
- LEARN, WORK & RESET – Built-in desk-exercise diagrams give you 10 quick ways to stretch, recharge and return to work feeling sharper.
- ROOM TO WORK & CREATE – The extended 31.5 x 11.8-inch Pixiecube desk mat fits a laptop or keyboard and mouse, while the soft 2 mm surface adds comfort and protects your desktop.
- BUILT FOR REAL-WORLD WORKDAYS – A rugged stitched edge helps prevent fraying, and the water-resistant, stain-resistant surface protects against scratches, spills and everyday wear—because smarter desks should work harder.
Create and use a custom list on Mac
For Excel for Microsoft 365 for Mac, Excel 2024 for Mac, and Excel 2021 for Mac, Microsoft documents this path: Excel > Preferences > Formulas and Lists > Custom Lists. Click Add, type the values in order separated by commas, click Add again, then close the dialog. To sort by the list, open the Sort dialog and choose Custom List under Order. The steps are in Microsoft’s Sort a list of data in Excel for Mac guide.
Those Mac instructions describe adding and sorting; they do not establish a Mac workflow for importing a selected worksheet range or deleting a list. Do not assume the Windows Options steps apply to Mac for those actions.
Rank #4
- Efficient Media Controls: The Wired Keyboard 600, designed by Microsoft, features a Media Center with four hot keys for easy control of play/pause, volume up, volume down, and mute functions.
- Quiet and Responsive Keys: Enjoy a comfortable typing experience with quiet, thin-profile keys that are both responsive and efficient.
- Convenient Shortcuts: Quickly access common tasks with dedicated shortcut keys, including a calculator hot key and a Windows start screen key.
- Spill-Resistant Design: Work confidently with a spill-resistant design that protects your keyboard from accidental messes.
- Plug-and-Play Simplicity: No software needed—just connect the keyboard to your PC and start using it right away, with a full number pad for efficient data entry.
Understand where a custom list is stored
A custom list is added to the computer’s registry, making it available to other workbooks on that computer. When a custom list is used to sort data, it is also saved with the workbook. On another computer, the workbook-stored list may be available in the Sort dialog’s Order column, but it may not appear in that computer’s Custom Lists panel in Excel Options and is not immediately available to the Fill command. Microsoft describes adding the workbook-stored list to the other computer’s registry through the Sort dialog when that behavior is needed; see Create or delete a custom list for sorting and filling data.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Quick Recap
Best Value
- 💻 ✔️ EVERY ESSENTIAL SHORTCUT - With the SYNERLOGIC Reference Keyboard Shortcut Sticker, you have the most important shortcuts conveniently placed right in front of you. Easily learn new shortcuts and always be able to quickly lookup commands without the need to “Google” it.
- 💻✔️ Work FASTER and SMARTER - Quick tips at your fingertips! This tool makes it easy to learn how to use your computer much faster and makes your workflow increase exponentially. It’s perfect for any age or skill level, students or seniors, at home, or in the office.
- 💻 ✔️ New adhesive – stronger hold. It may leave a light residue when removed, but this wipes off easily with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. Fewer air bubbles – for the smoothest finish, don’t peel off the entire backing at once. Instead, fold back a small section, line it up, and press gradually as you peel more. The “peel-and-stick-all-at-once” method only works for thin decals, not for stickers like ours.
- 💻 ✔️ Compatible and fits any brand laptop or desktop running Windows 10 or 11 Operating System.
- 💻 ✔️ Original Design and Production by Synerlogic Electronics, San Diego, CA, Boca Raton, FL and Bay City, MI, United States 2020. All rights reserved, any commercial reproduction without permission is punishable by all applicable laws.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
