Expand column width automatically based on drop down selection

S

Shadkng

Active Member
Joined
Oct 11, 2018
Messages
370
I'm having trouble finding code online that works to autofit a column width based on a selection in a drop down list. I would also like to have a minimum width that the column won't go below. I would need it for many columns in the same sheet so could it be a global type code? If not I can specify the column ranges and that would work. I am using combo drop downs as well if that matters. Thanks
 
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Hi, I'm not totally clear, but here is all the code in this particular sheet. I'm not sure of the top left cell - how do I find that out? I know the combobox sits up there but I tried to find it once and couldn't. I'm still new to VBA and much of the code I have was with a lot of help. Thanks

Code: 
Private Sub Worksheet_BeforeDoubleClick _
  (ByVal Target As Range, _
    Cancel As Boolean)
Dim str As String
Dim cboTemp As OLEObject
Dim ws As Worksheet
Set ws = ActiveSheet

Set cboTemp = ws.OLEObjects("QuoteCombo")
  On Error Resume Next
  With cboTemp
  'clear and hide the combo box
    .ListFillRange = ""
    .LinkedCell = ""
    .Visible = False
  End With
On Error GoTo errHandler
  If Target.Validation.Type = 3 Then
    'if the cell contains
      'a data validation list
    Cancel = True
    Application.EnableEvents = False
    'get the data validation formula
    str = Target.Validation.Formula1
    str = Right(str, Len(str) - 1)
    With cboTemp
      'show the combobox with the list
      .Visible = True
      .Left = Target.Left
      .Top = Target.Top
      .Width = Target.Width + 5
      .Height = Target.Height + 5
      .ListFillRange = str
      .LinkedCell = Target.Address
    End With
    cboTemp.Activate
    'open the drop down list automatically
    Me.QuoteCombo.DropDown
  End If
  
errHandler:
  Application.EnableEvents = True
  Exit Sub

End Sub
'=========================================
Private Sub QuoteCombo_LostFocus()
  With Me.QuoteCombo
    .Top = 10
    .Left = 10
    .Width = 0
    .ListFillRange = ""
    .LinkedCell = ""
    .Visible = False
    .Value = ""
  End With
End Sub

Private Sub Worksheet_Change(ByVal Target As Range)
' ZVI:2019-02-07 https://www.mrexcel.com/forum/excel-questions/1086525-expand-column-width-automatically-based-drop-down-selection.html
 
  '--> Settings, change to suit
  Const FitColumns = "C:D"  ' Columns to fit
  Const FirstDataRow = 24   ' Fit data are in that row and the below rows
  '<--End of the settings
 
  Dim a() As Variant, Col As Range, OldWidth
 
  Application.EnableEvents = False
  Application.ScreenUpdating = False
 
  With Intersect(Target.EntireColumn, Me.Range(FitColumns))
    For Each Col In .Columns
      With Col.Resize(FirstDataRow - Col.Cells(1).Row)
        a() = .Value
        .Value = Empty
        OldWidth = .ColumnWidth
        .EntireColumn.AutoFit
        If .ColumnWidth < OldWidth Then
          .ColumnWidth = OldWidth
        End If
        .Value = a()
      End With
    Next
  End With
 
  Application.EnableEvents = True
  Application.ScreenUpdating = True
 
End Sub
Sub quotecombo_Change()
  ' Code for ComboBox1 ActiveX
  Worksheet_Change Me.QuoteCombo.TopLeftCell.EntireColumn
End Sub
 
Upvote 0

Excel Facts

How to fill five years of quarters?
Type 1Q-2023 in a cell. Grab the fill handle and drag down or right. After 4Q-2023, Excel will jump to 1Q-2024. Dash can be any character.
Good code!
Here is more safety version of the Worksheet_Change, use it instead of the previous one:
Rich (BB code): 
Private Sub Worksheet_Change(ByVal Target As Range)
 
  '--> Settings, change to suit
  Const FitColumns = "C:D"  ' Columns to fit
  Const FirstDataRow = 24   ' Fit data are in that row and the below rows
  '<--End of the settings
 
  Dim a() As Variant, Col As Range, OldWidth As Variant, Rng As Range
 
  Set Rng = Intersect(Target.EntireColumn, Me.Range(FitColumns))
  If Rng Is Nothing Then Exit Sub
 
  Application.EnableEvents = False
  Application.ScreenUpdating = False
 
  For Each Col In Rng.Columns
    With Col.Resize(FirstDataRow - Col.Cells(1).Row)
      a() = .Value
      .Value = Empty
      OldWidth = .ColumnWidth
      .EntireColumn.AutoFit
      If .ColumnWidth < OldWidth Then
        .ColumnWidth = OldWidth
      End If
      .Value = a()
    End With
  Next
 
  Application.EnableEvents = True
  Application.ScreenUpdating = True
 
End Sub
 
Upvote 0
My Aswer Is This said:
... Are you saying by just double clicking on a ActiveX combobox
This will result in creating a Module Script? Which is not a Private script.
I tried this and it does not do that. ...​
Click to expand...

I meant, that in Design mode, which can be set via the toolbar button of VBE or via Ribbon's Developer tab, a double clicking on ActiveX (which is already placed on a Sheet) will create a template code for Change event of that ActiveX. That code will be selected in the sheet's module.
And yes - code by default uses Private statement. But you may delete Private statement from that code to get Sub ComboBox1_Change() which works as expected. But now you can also see and run it in the Alt-F8 macros dialog.​
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0
Hi, OK we're making progress...seems to be working better. A couple of other changes...

Can we have the column go back to the default size if we change the wide entry back to a narrow entry?

Is it possible for a cell that is not a drop down list to autofit when just typing text into the cell? So col C:D may be drop down and E just a regular cell.

I have 2 scripts called worksheet_change. Can I rename one of them? I assume you still need the "_change" part after the new name.
 
Upvote 0
Shadkng said:
1. Can we have the column go back to the default size if we change the wide entry back to a narrow entry?
2. Is it possible for a cell that is not a drop down list to autofit when just typing text into the cell? So col C:D may be drop down and E just a regular cell.
3. I have 2 scripts called worksheet_change. Can I rename one of them? I assume you still need the "_change" part after the new name.
Click to expand...
1. It's possible via a code but by what event? Do you mean change event or clicking special button?
2. Sure, use Const FitColumns = "C:E" or even Const FitColumns = "A:ZZ".
3. Just rename one to Private Sub Worksheet_Change1(ByVal Target As Range) and call it from another one using this line of the code:
Call Worksheet_Change1(Target), like this:
Rich (BB code): 
Private Sub Worksheet_Change1(ByVal Target As Range)
  ' ... The code1 ...
End Sub
 
Private Sub Worksheet_Change(ByVal Target As Range)
  ' ... The code2 ...
  Call Worksheet_Change1(Target)
End Sub
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0
Shadkng said:
Hi, I just realized that both codes #8 and #13 work with my regular data validation drop down lists, however I am using combo drop downs as well and it doesn't work when I use the combo. Any solution for that?
Click to expand...

Could you explain what you're trying to do? step by step.

I'm guessing something like this:

Say you want to insert data in cell A24, you use use a combobox, select an item then tranfer the item/value to the cell, & you want the cell column to be autofit.
Is that correct?
What code do you use to transfer the item/value to the cell?
 
Upvote 0
ZVI said:
1. It's possible via a code but by what event? Do you mean change event or clicking special button?
2. Sure, use Const FitColumns = "C:E" or even Const FitColumns = "A:ZZ".
3. Just rename one to Private Sub Worksheet_Change1(ByVal Target As Range) and call it from another one using this line of the code:
Call Worksheet_Change1(Target), like this:
Rich (BB code): 
Private Sub Worksheet_Change1(ByVal Target As Range)
  ' ... The code1 ...
End Sub
 
Private Sub Worksheet_Change(ByVal Target As Range)
  ' ... The code2 ...
  Call Worksheet_Change1(Target)
End Sub
Click to expand...

In regards to question 1, I mean if I choose a wide entry from the drop down list the column will autofit as it should. Then if I then choose another selection from the same drop down and it is a narrow entry then the column stays wide from the previous selection, it does not size down. I think I mean by a change event as well.

Answer for question 3, I'm not so clear. I cannot rename a change event name? I know what "call" means but I don't understand it in this context.
 
Upvote 0
Akuini said:
Could you explain what you're trying to do? step by step.

I'm guessing something like this:

Say you want to insert data in cell A24, you use use a combobox, select an item then tranfer the item/value to the cell, & you want the cell column to be autofit.
Is that correct?
What code do you use to transfer the item/value to the cell?
Click to expand...

Hi, I would like to have the column autofit from row 24 and down in a specified range. We can use 1000 rows down for now. The autofit should happen instantly when an entry from a data validation box is chosen. I am using activex combo box drop down list so the autofit needs to work with that as well. I would like the column to have a minimum width that it won't fall below. Also, once a column is made wider by an entry, I would like it to reduce if another small entry is chosen. To answer your last question, I am not using any code to transfer the value, only the drop down list.
 
Upvote 0
Shadkng said:
Hi, I would like to have the column autofit from row 24 and down in a specified range. We can use 1000 rows down for now. The autofit should happen instantly when an entry from a data validation box is chosen. I am using activex combo box drop down list so the autofit needs to work with that as well. I would like the column to have a minimum width that it won't fall below. Also, once a column is made wider by an entry, I would like it to reduce if another small entry is chosen. To answer your last question, I am not using any code to transfer the value, only the drop down list.
Click to expand...

Ok, try this:


Code: 
[FONT=lucida console]

[COLOR=Royalblue]Private[/COLOR] [COLOR=Royalblue]Sub[/COLOR] quotecombo_Change()
ActiveCell = quotecombo.Value

[COLOR=Royalblue]End[/COLOR] [COLOR=Royalblue]Sub[/COLOR]

[COLOR=Royalblue]Private[/COLOR] [COLOR=Royalblue]Sub[/COLOR] Worksheet_BeforeDoubleClick([COLOR=Royalblue]ByVal[/COLOR] Target [COLOR=Royalblue]As[/COLOR] Range, Cancel [COLOR=Royalblue]As[/COLOR] [COLOR=Royalblue]Boolean[/COLOR])
[COLOR=Royalblue]Dim[/COLOR] str [COLOR=Royalblue]As[/COLOR] [COLOR=Royalblue]String[/COLOR]
[COLOR=Royalblue]Dim[/COLOR] cboTemp [COLOR=Royalblue]As[/COLOR] OLEObject
[COLOR=Royalblue]Dim[/COLOR] ws [COLOR=Royalblue]As[/COLOR] Worksheet
[COLOR=Royalblue]Set[/COLOR] ws = ActiveSheet
    [COLOR=Royalblue]If[/COLOR] [COLOR=Royalblue]Not[/COLOR] Intersect(Target, Range([COLOR=brown]"A1:A100"[/COLOR])) [COLOR=Royalblue]Is[/COLOR] [COLOR=Royalblue]Nothing[/COLOR] [COLOR=Royalblue]Then[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=Royalblue]Dim[/COLOR] r [COLOR=Royalblue]As[/COLOR] Range
    [COLOR=Royalblue]Set[/COLOR] r = ActiveCell
    [COLOR=Royalblue]Set[/COLOR] cboTemp = ws.OLEObjects([COLOR=brown]" quotecombo"[/COLOR])
      [COLOR=Royalblue]On[/COLOR] [COLOR=Royalblue]Error[/COLOR] [COLOR=Royalblue]Resume[/COLOR] [COLOR=Royalblue]Next[/COLOR]
      [COLOR=Royalblue]With[/COLOR] cboTemp
      [I][COLOR=seagreen]'clear and hide the combo box[/COLOR][/I]
        .ListFillRange = [COLOR=brown]""[/COLOR]
        .LinkedCell = [COLOR=brown]""[/COLOR]
        .Visible = [COLOR=Royalblue]False[/COLOR]
      [COLOR=Royalblue]End[/COLOR] [COLOR=Royalblue]With[/COLOR]

        [COLOR=Royalblue]On[/COLOR] [COLOR=Royalblue]Error[/COLOR] [COLOR=Royalblue]GoTo[/COLOR] errHandler
    [COLOR=Royalblue]If[/COLOR] Target.Validation.Type = [COLOR=crimson]3[/COLOR] [COLOR=Royalblue]Then[/COLOR]
        [I][COLOR=seagreen]'if the cell contains[/COLOR][/I]
          [I][COLOR=seagreen]'a data validation list[/COLOR][/I]
        Cancel = [COLOR=Royalblue]True[/COLOR]
        Application.EnableEvents = [COLOR=Royalblue]False[/COLOR]
        [I][COLOR=seagreen]'get the data validation formula[/COLOR][/I]
        str = Target.Validation.Formula1
        str = Right(str, Len(str) - [COLOR=crimson]1[/COLOR])
            [COLOR=Royalblue]With[/COLOR] cboTemp
              [I][COLOR=seagreen]'show the combobox with the list[/COLOR][/I]
              .Visible = [COLOR=Royalblue]True[/COLOR]
              .Left = Target.Left
              .Top = Target.Top
              .Width = [COLOR=crimson]150[/COLOR] [I][COLOR=seagreen]'Target.Width + 5[/COLOR][/I]
              .Height = Target.Height + [COLOR=crimson]5[/COLOR]
              .ListFillRange = str
    [I][COLOR=seagreen]'          .LinkedCell = Target.Address[/COLOR][/I]
            [COLOR=Royalblue]End[/COLOR] [COLOR=Royalblue]With[/COLOR]
        cboTemp.Activate
        [I][COLOR=seagreen]'open the drop down list automatically[/COLOR][/I]
    [I][COLOR=seagreen]'    cboTemp.DropDown[/COLOR][/I]
     [COLOR=Royalblue]End[/COLOR] [COLOR=Royalblue]If[/COLOR]
 [COLOR=Royalblue]End[/COLOR] [COLOR=Royalblue]If[/COLOR]
errHandler:
  Application.EnableEvents = [COLOR=Royalblue]True[/COLOR]
[I][COLOR=seagreen]'  Exit Sub[/COLOR][/I]

[COLOR=Royalblue]End[/COLOR] [COLOR=Royalblue]Sub[/COLOR]

[I][COLOR=seagreen]'=========================================[/COLOR][/I]
[COLOR=Royalblue]Private[/COLOR] [COLOR=Royalblue]Sub[/COLOR] quotecombo_LostFocus()
  [COLOR=Royalblue]With[/COLOR] Me.quotecombo
    .Visible = [COLOR=Royalblue]False[/COLOR]
    .Value = [COLOR=brown]""[/COLOR]
  [COLOR=Royalblue]End[/COLOR] [COLOR=Royalblue]With[/COLOR]
[COLOR=Royalblue]End[/COLOR] [COLOR=Royalblue]Sub[/COLOR]


[COLOR=Royalblue]Private[/COLOR] [COLOR=Royalblue]Sub[/COLOR] Worksheet_Change([COLOR=Royalblue]ByVal[/COLOR] Target [COLOR=Royalblue]As[/COLOR] Range)
        [I][COLOR=seagreen]'change the range address to suit[/COLOR][/I]
    [COLOR=Royalblue]If[/COLOR] [COLOR=Royalblue]Not[/COLOR] Intersect(Target, Range([COLOR=brown]"A24:B1000,D24:E1000"[/COLOR])) [COLOR=Royalblue]Is[/COLOR] [COLOR=Royalblue]Nothing[/COLOR] [COLOR=Royalblue]Then[/COLOR]
        [COLOR=Royalblue]Dim[/COLOR] x [COLOR=Royalblue]As[/COLOR] [COLOR=Royalblue]Double[/COLOR]
        [COLOR=Royalblue]If[/COLOR] Target.Cells.Count = [COLOR=crimson]1[/COLOR] [COLOR=Royalblue]Then[/COLOR]
[I][COLOR=seagreen]'            x = Target.Columns.ColumnWidth[/COLOR][/I]
            Target.Columns.AutoFit
[I][COLOR=seagreen]'            If Target.Columns.ColumnWidth < x Then Target.Columns.ColumnWidth = x[/COLOR][/I]
            
            [I][COLOR=seagreen]'minimum width, change to suit[/COLOR][/I]
            [COLOR=Royalblue]If[/COLOR] Target.Columns.ColumnWidth < [COLOR=crimson]10[/COLOR] [COLOR=Royalblue]Then[/COLOR] Target.Columns.ColumnWidth = [COLOR=crimson]10[/COLOR]
       
        [COLOR=Royalblue]End[/COLOR] [COLOR=Royalblue]If[/COLOR]
    [COLOR=Royalblue]End[/COLOR] [COLOR=Royalblue]If[/COLOR]

[COLOR=Royalblue]End[/COLOR] [COLOR=Royalblue]Sub[/COLOR]

[/FONT]
 
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