Google Sheets Dependent Dropdowns for an Order or Request Form
Build linked choices that stay valid.
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Build a dependent dropdown system in Google Sheets. Categories and their items: [CATEGORIES_AND_ITEMS]. What the choice feeds (price lookup, request routing): [OUTPUT_USE]. Who maintains the lists: [MAINTAINER]. Lists layout: categories such as Printing, Signage and Equipment in row 1 with items below, and a second table of item and unit price. The first dropdown uses a data validation list from the category row; the second returns the items of the chosen category with a formula such as FILTER or INDIRECT using named ranges, and the trade-offs [VERIFY syntax]; price is a lookup on the item; total is quantity times price. Worked order with invented data: 5 posters at 12.00 and 2 banners at 45.00 gives 60.00 + 90.00 = 150.00. Maintenance: where to type a new item, how the dropdown updates, and what happens to existing orders if an item is later removed (keep a retired list). Protection: lock the lists tab except for the owner, and the order tab except for input cells, with a hidden helper sheet. Five tests: an empty first dropdown, changing the category after choosing an item (the old item should clear or flag), two items with the same name in different categories, an item deleted from a list, and a new item added. Treat every feature name as unconfirmed until tested in my version [VERIFY].
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