How to add tick and cross symbols into drop down list in Excel?
Adding tick and cross symbols into a drop-down list in Excel can make your spreadsheets more visually intuitive, especially for status tracking, to-do lists, approvals, and quality checks.
Normally, after inserting tick and cross symbols using the Symbol function and creating a drop-down list from them as the data source, the results display as ü or û instead of the intended symbols in the drop-down cells. This guide shows how to display the actual ✓ and 
symbols in cells from a drop-down list.
Add tick and cross symbols into drop down list with VBA code
Add tick and cross symbols into drop down list with Kutools for Excel
Add tick and cross symbols into drop down list with VBA code
With the below VBA code, you can insert tick and cross drop-down lists into specified cells in Excel. Please do as follows.
1. In the worksheet you will create tick and cross symbols drop down lists, right click the sheet tab and select View Code from the context menu.
2. Then the Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications window opens, please copy below VBA code into the Code window.
VBA code 1: Add tick and cross symbols into drop down list
Private Sub Worksheet_Change(ByVal Target As Range)
'Update by Extendoffice 20180703
If Intersect(Target, Range("B1:B10")) Is Nothing Then Exit Sub
If Target.Value = "Tick" Then
Target.Value = "P"
ElseIf Target.Value = "Cross" Then
Target.Value = "S"
End If
End Sub
3. Go on clicking Insert > Module, then copy the following code 2 into the Module window.
VBA code 2: Add tick and cross symbols into drop down list
Sub usingSymbols()
'Update by Extendoffice 20180703
Dim xRg As Range
Set xRg = Range("B1:B10")
xRg.Font.Name = "Wingdings 2"
xRg.Validation.Add xlValidateList, , , "Tick,Cross"
End SubNote: In the above code, B1:B10 is the range of cells you will create tick and cross drop-down list. Please change the range as you need.
4. Press the F5 key to run the code.
Now the tick and cross symbols drop-down lists are inserted into range B1:B10. Select Tick from the drop-down will insert ✓ into cell, and select Cross will display symbol. See screenshot:
Add tick and cross symbols into drop down list with Kutools for Excel
With Kutools for Excel's Batch Insert Check Synbols feature, you can effortlessly insert a variety of tick and cross symbols into your worksheet. Once inserted, simply use the Quickly Create Drop-down List feature to turn them into a professional-looking drop-down list with visual symbols — perfect for to-do lists, feedback forms, or task tracking. No formulas or coding required!
After installing Kutools for Excel, please do as this:
Step 1: Insert variety of tick and cross symbols into worksheet
- Click Kutools > Insert > Batch Insert Checkbox Symbols, see screenshot:
- In the pop-up dialog box, simply select the tick or cross symbols you want, then click to insert them into the selected cells.
Step 2: Create drop down list with tick and cross symbols
- Then, click Kutools > Drop-down list > Quickly Create Drop-down List, see screenshot:
- In the dialog box, configure the following settings:
- Select the cells where you want to create the drop down lists with tick and cross symbols.
- Select Refer to cells option;
- Then, select the range that contains the inserted tick and cross symbols.
- Finally, click OK button.
Now you’ve created a clean, professional-looking drop-down list with tick and cross symbols. Simply click a cell to choose between the symbols you inserted earlier.
✅ Why Use the Batch Insert Check Synbols Tool?
- 🖱️ One-click batch insertion: Instantly insert multiple symbols into the selected range without copying and pasting.
- 🎨 Multiple style options:: Choose from various built-in checkmarks, crosses, and shape symbols to match your layout and visual preferences.
- 📌 Auto cell navigation: Automatically move to the next row or column after insertion for faster data entry.
- ✅ Simple and formula-free: No formulas, no manual typing — just select a symbol and go
- 👀 What you see is what you get: Inserted symbols appear immediately — no extra formatting needed.
- Try Kutools for Excel Now
✅ Conclusion
Whether you prefer coding your own solution or using a time-saving tool, there’s a method that fits your workflow:
- If you're comfortable with VBA, you can create a drop-down list with tick and cross symbols through custom scripting — giving you full control over how it works.
- If you want a faster, no-code solution, Kutools for Excel offers a user-friendly interface that lets you quickly insert symbols and generate drop-down lists in just a few clicks.
Choose the method that suits your needs, and make your Excel checklists smarter, cleaner, and more intuitive! If you're interested in exploring more Excel tips and tricks, our website offers thousands of tutorials to help you master Excel.
Related articles:
- How to auto populate other cells when selecting values in Excel drop down list?
- How to autocomplete when typing in Excel drop down list?
- How to create a drop down list calendar in Excel?
- How to create drop down list with multiple selections or values in Excel?
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