How to Add Checkbox in Excel without Using Developer Tab

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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.


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. Using VBA to Add Checkbox in Excel Without 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.

VBA to Add Checkbox in Excel without Using 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

VBA to Add Checkbox in Excel without Using Developer Tab

  • 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.

VBA to Add Checkbox in Excel without Using Developer Tab

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

VBA to Add Checkbox in Excel without Using Developer Tab

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

VBA to Add Checkbox in Excel without Using Developer Tab

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

  • Finally, click OK to see results like below.

VBA to Add Checkbox in Excel without Using Developer Tab

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

VBA to Add Checkbox in Excel without Using Developer Tab


2. Applying Fill Handle Tool to Insert Multiple Checkboxes in Excel

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Read More: How to Add a Checkbox in Excel


3. Using Copy & Paste to Add Multiple Checkboxes Without 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: How to Link Multiple Checkboxes 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.

Download Practice Book

Download the practice book here.


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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Mursalin Ibne Salehin
Mursalin Ibne Salehin

Mursalin Ibne Salehin holds a BSc in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. Over the past 2 years, he has actively contributed to the ExcelDemy project, where he authored over 150 articles. He has also led a team with content development works. Currently, he is working as a Reviewer in the ExcelDemy Project. He likes using and learning about Microsoft Office, especially Excel. He is interested in data analysis with Excel, machine learning,... Read Full Bio

2 Comments
  1. Thanks a lot. This was really helpful for me. Can I ask where we can find this option next time we Insert without using shortcuts?

    • Hi KARTHIKA,

      Thanks for your comment. To insert checkboxes without shortcuts, you can follow the steps below:

      STEPS:
      1. Go to the Developer tab and click on the Insert option.
      2. A drop-down menu will appear.
      3. You can select the checkbox from the “Form Controls” section.

      If you don’t find the Developer tab in the ribbon, then you need to add it from the Customize the Ribbon option. You will find the detail in the link below:
      https://www.exceldemy.com/add-a-checkbox-in-excel/#2_Steps_to_Add_a_Checkbox_in_Excel

      I hope this will help you to solve your problem. Please let us know if you have any other queries.
      Thanks!

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