How can you create a dropdown list in Excel?

Creating a dropdown list in Excel primarily involves using the data validation feature to allow users to select from a predefined list of values. This is typically done by selecting the cell where you want the dropdown to appear, navigating to the Data tab, and then choosing Data Validation. You can then select "List" from the validation criteria and specify a range of cells that contain the items for the dropdown. This method not only ensures that the data entered in the cell is standardized and limits user input errors, but it also enhances usability by providing a clear and simple way to make selections.

The other choices involve different functionalities in Excel. Copying and pasting a list of items would not inherently create a dropdown; it would simply populate cells with data without any restrictive or guided selection. Inserting a scatter plot pertains to visual data representation and has no correlation with creating dropdown lists. Applying conditional formatting is a tool used for changing the appearance of cells based on specific criteria, but it does not facilitate the creation of selectable lists. Thus, the method of using data validation remains the appropriate technique for establishing dropdown lists.