Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Excel 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Excel, click here: Changing Fonts in Data Validation Drop-Down Lists.
Frederick has created some simple drop-down lists for some cells using data validation. He wants to know if there is a way to change the font used to display the entries in the drop-down lists.
The short answer is no, there is not. You can adjust the apparent size of the font by adjusting the zoom value for a worksheet, but that is about it. If you want more control over the font, then you will need to use a different approach to drop-down lists, such as using a combo box from the Control toolbox.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (3264) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Excel (Excel 2007 and later) here: Changing Fonts in Data Validation Drop-Down Lists.
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2012-09-22 06:08:48
Michael Avidan - MVP
Two, simple, Event Macros will be glad to assist, any Excel user, to work around this "problem".
-------------------------------------
Private Sub Worksheet_SelectionChange(ByVal Target As Range)
ZM = 100 : ZDV = 140
Application.EnableEvents = False
On Error Resume Next
DVT = Target.Validation.Type
On Error GoTo ExitHandle
If DVT <> 3 Then
If ActiveWindow.Zoom <> ZM Then ActiveWindow.Zoom = ZM
Else
If ActiveWindow.Zoom <> ZDV Then ActiveWindow.Zoom = ZDV
End If
ExitHandle:
Application.EnableEvents = True
Exit Sub
End Sub
Private Sub Worksheet_Change(ByVal Target As Range)
ActiveWindow.Zoom = 100
End Sub
------------------------
Michael Avidan
"Microsoft®" MVP – Excel
ISRAEL
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Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Excel 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Excel, click here: 
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