# ComboBoxColumn

The **DataGridViewComboBoxColumn** class is a specialized type of **DataGridViewColumn** used to logically host cells that enable users to select values from a list of choices. A **DataGridViewComboBoxColumn** has an associated **DataGridViewComboBoxCell** in every **DataGridViewRow** that intersects it.

You can populate the cells manually by setting their Value properties. Alternatively, you can bind the column to the data source indicated by the **DataGridView\.DataSource** property. If the **DataGridView** is bound to a database table, set the column **DataPropertyName** property to the name of a column in the table. If the **DataGridView** is bound to a collection of objects, set the **DataPropertyName** property to the name of an object property.

You can populate the column drop-down list manually by adding values to the Items collection. Alternatively, you can bind the drop-down list to its own data source by setting the column **DataSource** property. If the values are objects in a collection or records in a database table, you must also set the **DisplayMember** and **ValueMember** properties. The **DisplayMember** property indicates which object property or database column provides the values that are displayed in the drop-down list. The **ValueMember** property indicates which object property or database column is used to set the cell Value property.

{% hint style="info" %}
For a full list of properties, methods and events see the [API documentation](https://docs.wisej.com/api/wisej.web/lists-and-grids/datagridview/wisej.web.datagridviewcomboboxcolumn).
{% endhint %}

## Features

### Drop Down Styles

The **DataGridViewComboBoxColumn** features several different drop down presets:

* **Simple**: The list is always visible and that the text portion is editable. The user can enter a new value or can select an existing value in the list.
* **DropDown**: The list is displayed by clicking the down arrow, or pressing either the Down, Alt+Down or Alt+Up keys, and that the text portion is editable. The user can enter a new value or select an existing value in the list.
* **DropDownList**: The list is displayed by clicking the down arrow, or pressing either the Down, Alt+Down or Alt+Up keys, and that the text portion is not editable. The user cannot enter a new value and can only select a value already in the list.

### Tool Container

{% content-ref url="../../general/embedded-tools" %}
[embedded-tools](https://docs.wisej.com/docs/controls/general/embedded-tools)
{% endcontent-ref %}