This tutorial demonstrates how to add a drop-down calendar (date picker) to Excel and link it to a cell. It also shows how to quickly create a printable calendar using an Excel template.

Data integrity is a major concern in large or shared spreadsheets, especially with date entry. Using a drop-down calendar eliminates inconsistencies in date formats.

This tutorial provides:

• Step-by-step instructions for creating a drop-down calendar.
• A list of third-party Excel calendar tools.
• A quick method for creating printable calendars from templates.

Adding a Drop-Down Calendar (Date Picker Control)

Excel's built-in Date and Time Picker Control is easily overlooked. However, note that this control only works with 32-bit versions of Office, not 64-bit.

Steps:

1. Enable the Developer Tab: Right-click the ribbon, select "Customize the Ribbon...", check the "Developer" box under "Main Tabs," and click "OK."

   

2. Insert the Calendar Control: Go to the "Developer" tab > "Controls" group > "Insert" > "More Controls." Select "Microsoft Date and Time Picker Control 6.0 (SP6)" and click "OK." Click the cell where you want the calendar.

   

   An EMBED formula will appear; do not modify or delete it. Design Mode is automatically enabled. Resize and position the calendar as needed. Turn off Design Mode on the "Developer" tab.

   

   If the control is unavailable, you may be using 64-bit Office or the control isn't registered (see below).

3. Customize the Calendar: In Design Mode, resize and reposition the calendar. Use the "Properties" window to adjust height, width, font, etc.

   

4. Link the Calendar to a Cell: In Design Mode, select the calendar, open "Properties," and specify a "LinkedCell" (e.g., A1). This links the selected date to that cell.

   

Registering the Calendar Control (mscomct2.ocx)

If the Date and Time Picker Control is missing, you might need to register mscomct2.ocx (or mscal.ocx for older Excel versions). This control is only compatible with 32-bit Office.

1. Check for mscomct2.ocx: Search for it in Windows. If found, skip to step 3.

2. Download mscomct2.ocx: Download it (if necessary) and copy it to C:\Windows\System32 (32-bit Windows) or C:\Windows\SysWoW64 (64-bit Windows). You'll need administrator privileges.

   

3. Register the Control: Open Command Prompt as administrator and run: C:\Windows\System32\regsvr32.exe mscomct2.ocx (32-bit) or C:\Windows\SysWoW64\regsvr32.exe mscomct2.ocx (64-bit). Alternatively, create a .bat file with the command and run it as administrator.

   

   Restart Excel.

Third-Party Calendar Tools

For 64-bit Excel, third-party tools are necessary. The tutorial mentions several options, including Ablebits Date Picker (part of the Ultimate Suite), Excel Date Picker (samradapps.com), and Pop-up Excel Calendar, along with online options like XLTools.net Calendar and others.

Creating a Calendar from a Template

The easiest way to create a calendar is to use an Excel template. Go to File > New, search for "calendar," and select a template. You can customize and print it. To automatically display the current year, use the formula =YEAR(TODAY()) in the year cell.

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