Make an Alternative to Datepicker in Excel (2 Easy Methods)

As the datepicker feature of Microsoft Excel is only available for the Windows 32-bit version, it is very difficult when you need this feature for the 64-bit version. Creating a datepicker with VBA code is quite tedious and time-consuming. In this article, I will show you how to make an alternative to the datepicker in Excel.

How to Make an Alternative to Datepicker in Excel: 2 Easy Methods

In this article, you will see two easy methods to make an alternative to the datepicker in Excel. For the first method, I will use pre-built templates from Excel, and for the second, I will use Excel add-ins.

To illustrate my article further, I will use the following data set.

1. Use Calendar Template

The first method of this procedure will deal with the use of a calendar template in Excel. Every Excel file has some pre-existing templates that can help users in the time of their need. To get the whole scenario, see the following steps.

Steps:

First of all, open a new Excel file or from an existing file go to the Home tab of the ribbon.
Then, from the Home window, select the More templates arrow sign.

Secondly, you will find a search bar for finding your required template. As for my requirement, I will search for an academic calendar and press Enter.

Thirdly, you will see some templates which match your requirements.
Then, from the list, select any of your preferences.

Fourthly, it will ask your permission to create the calendar.

Afterward, you will see the calendar template in your Excel sheet and after modifying it according to your preference it will look like the following image.
Here, each month of the year 2022 is given in the worksheet and you can see that under every date there is a place to keep notes about that date.

Consequently, click on the first date of the month and you will see the consequent formula in the formula bar for creating the dates in this template.

So, from the month dropdown, you can change the months according to your preference and the date will also change according to it.

Additionally, you can change the year value to see the consequent changes.

Finally, from the following image, you can see some of the months from this template after all the modifications.

2. Employ Excel Add-ins

If you are using Excel 365, then the following method will help you make an alternative to the datepicker feature. For that, you have to use an add-in. For a better understanding, go through the following steps.

Steps:

Firstly, go to the Developer tab of the ribbon, and from the Add-ins group, select Add-ins. If you don’t see the Developer tab, then, follow this link to display the Developer tab on the ribbon.

Secondly, the Office Add-ins wizard will pop up.
Then, go to the STORE tab, and in the search bar type datepicker and press Enter.

Thirdly, you will see the Mini Calendar and Date Picker add-ins, and to use this feature, press Add.

Afterward, it will seek the user’s permission for further use. Press Continue to proceed further.

Consequently, you will see a feature in your worksheet that looks like a mini floating calendar.

Moreover, to insert a date from the calendar, first select any cell and then click on the required date.

Consequently, you will see that date on the previously selected cell.

Again, fill the other cells in the same process.

Additionally, if you want to mark certain dates on this calendar then click on the icon that says Highlight Range of Dates.

Then, insert the desired cell range as input and press OK.

Finally, you will see those highlighted on the calendar.

Things to Remember

If you choose to use the calendar template then your workbook will be automatically saved as a macro-enabled file.
You can change the appearance of your datepicker from the second method by selecting the icons from the bottom of the calender.

Download Practice Workbook

You can download the free Excel workbook here and practice on your own.

Alternative to Datepicker.xlsm

Conclusion

That’s the end of this article. I hope you find this article helpful. After reading the above description, you will be able to make an alternative to the datepicker in Excel. Please share any further queries or recommendations with us in the comments section below. After commenting, please give us some moments to solve your issues, and we will reply to your queries with the best possible solutions.

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