Data Validation in Microsoft Excel allows users to control the type of data entered into the worksheet. It picks from a list of rules to limit the type of data that can be entered into a cell.

Now, to specify a conditional rule that changes the font color of a list item, do the following: With C1 selected, click the Home tab; C1 is the same cell where we put the data validation control.

Click the "+" sign at the bottom of Excel 2013 to create a new sheet to use as a data source. Enter the values you need for the first drop-down list in column A on the new sheet.