Formula for a checkbox

Ok so what I am trying to do is put a formula in the background of a checkbox.

The purpose is the have the formula check a name in a cell, and then compare that value with a list on another sheet. At the moment I have that list typed one name per cell vertically however I would prefer to be able to put the list into a dropdown list to negate having to change the reference range.

If the formula finds a match then I want it to leave the checkbox unchecked, however if no match is found in the list then I want it to tick the checkbox.

If I can put the list in a drop down the I would prefer the formula to make the dropdown list reference absolute so that when the formula fills down it always references the same dropdown.

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Accepted answers

Paul Newcome

So you are trying to check a box on Sheet A if the name is not found on Sheet B? You shouldn't need dropdowns or anything.

The vertical list on Sheet B should be fine. When you create your cross sheet reference, make sure you are clicking on the column header in Sheet B so that you reference the entire column.

=IF(CONTAINS([Sheet A Name Column]@row, {Sheet B Name Column}), 0, 1)

All comments

BullandKhmer

OK, a few things here.

Natively, Smartsheet doesn't allow dropdowns to reference cells for the list. This is possible with a 3rd party app called DDUpdate which comes at a small cost. So if you need your dropdown to reference a live list this is the best option I know of.

Checkbox syntax is 1 for checked and 0 for unchecked. So you could write a formula to automate checking of boxes... you haven't given enough info but generally the formula would be:

=IF([whatever condition for checking the box],1,0)

Hope that helps.

Andrée Starå

Hi @Josh Osborn

I hope you're well and safe!

To add to BullandKhmer's excellent advice/answer.

Another Smartsheet option would be to use the Premium app, Data Shuttle to "sync" the dropdown lists.

Is that an option?

I hope that helps!

Be safe and have a fantastic week!

Best,

Andrée Starå | Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

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Paul Newcome

So you are trying to check a box on Sheet A if the name is not found on Sheet B? You shouldn't need dropdowns or anything.

The vertical list on Sheet B should be fine. When you create your cross sheet reference, make sure you are clicking on the column header in Sheet B so that you reference the entire column.

=IF(CONTAINS([Sheet A Name Column]@row, {Sheet B Name Column}), 0, 1)

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