How to Add Checkbox in Excel without Using Developer Tab (3 Methods)

In this article, we will learn to add a checkbox in the excel worksheet without using the Developer tab. We use a checkbox to select or deselect any option in excel. The most common way to add a checkbox is to use the Developer tab. But we can also use other methods to add a checkbox very easily. Today, we will discuss these methods to add checkboxes in excel without using the Developer tab.

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3 Methods to Add Checkbox in Excel without Using Developer Tab

To explain these methods, we will use a dataset that contains information about the department, age and attendance of some employees. Here, we will use the checkboxes to mark the attendance of the employees.

1. VBA to Add Checkbox in Excel without Using Developer Tab

In this first method, we will use VBA which is a programming language for Excel. VBA stands for Visual Basic for Applications. We use VBA to perform various tasks. We can also use this to add checkboxes to our worksheet. In this method, we will not use the Developer tab.

Let’s follow the steps below to learn more about this method.

STEPS:

• Firstly, press Alt + F11 to open the Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications window.
• Secondly, go to Insert and select Module. The Module window will appear.
• Thirdly, type the code in the Module:

Sub Add_Checkbox()
Dim x As Range
Dim y As checkbox
Dim yRange As Range
On Error Resume Next
Set yRange = Application.InputBox(Prompt:="Select range", Type:=8)
If Err.Number <> 0 Then Exit Sub
On Error GoTo 0
For Each x In yRange
Set y = yRange.Parent.CheckBoxes.Add(0, 1, 1, 0)
With y
.Top = x.Top + x.Height / 2 - y.Height / 2
.Left = x.Left + x.Width / 2 - y.Width / 2
.Locked = False
.Caption = ""
.Name = x.Address
End With
Next x
End Sub

• Now, press Ctrl + S to save the code.
• After that, press Alt + F8 to open the Macro window.
• Next, select the code from the Macro window and Run it.

• After running the code, an input box will occur.

• Then, you need to select the range where you want to add the checkboxes. We have selected Cell E5 to E10.

Note: You can also select a single cell to add a checkbox in that particular cell.

• Finally, click OK to see results like below.

• You can mark the checkboxes like below to count the attendance.

Read More: VBA to Check If CheckBox Is Checked in Excel (3 Ways)

Similar Readings

• Excel VBA: Form Control Checkbox Value (3 Examples)
• How to Count Checkboxes in Excel (3 Easy Methods)
• Excel Checkbox: If Checked then Change Cell Color (2 Methods)

2. Apply Fill Handle Tool to Add Multiple Checkboxes in Excel without Using Developer

We can use the Fill Handle to add multiple checkboxes in excel without using the Developer tab. But we need to have a checkbox already present in the dataset. Suppose, we have a dataset that contains a checkbox in Cell E5. We will use the Fill Handle to fill down the rest of the cells with checkboxes.

Let’s pay attention to the steps below to learn this technique.

STEPS:

• In the beginning, place the cursor on the small green rectangular box in the lower-left corner of the cell.
• A black plus sign will appear. It is the Fill Handle.
• Now, drag the Fill Handle down.

• After dragging the Fill Handle down, you will see checkboxes in the rest of the cells.

• Finally, to mark the checkboxes, place the cursor on the blank boxes and left-click your mouse.

Read More: How to Apply Conditional Formatting Using Checkbox in Excel

3. Copy & Paste to Insert Multiple Checkboxes without Using Developer Tab in Excel

In the last method, we will use the copy-paste option to add multiple checkboxes to our worksheet. It is also an easy method. We will use the previous dataset here.

Let’s observe the steps below.

STEPS:

• In the first place, select the cell that contains the checkbox.
• Now, press Ctrl + C to copy the checkbox.

• After that, select the cells where you want to paste the checkbox. We have selected Cell E6 to E10.

• Finally, press Ctrl + V to paste the checkboxes and then press the Esc key.

• In the end, use the mouse to mark the checkboxes for attendance.

Read More: What Can You Do with Cell Value If Checkbox Is Checked in Excel?

Things to Remember

There are certain things we need to remember when we are adding a checkbox to our worksheet.

• In Method-1, we have shown the steps to insert multiple checkboxes in excel. You can also use the same code to add a single checkbox without using the Developer tab.
• In Method-2, we have dragged the Fill Handle down to add the checkboxes. In this case, double-clicking on the Fill Handle will not work.
• Be extra careful when you are deleting the checkboxes. To delete a checkbox, you need to put the cursor on the checkbox and right-click and then, press Delete from the keyboard.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated 3 easy and quick methods to add a checkbox in an excel worksheet without using the Developer tab. I hope these methods will help you to add checkboxes to your worksheet. Furthermore, we have added the practice book at the beginning of the article. You can also download and exercise the practice book. Last of all, if you have any queries or suggestions, feel free to ask in the comment section below.

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