Lower letters list
Location on ribbon: Tab DVD Addin → Group Text and Number → Menu Numbered list
Command ID: btnLowerLettersList
What it does
Prefixes the selected cells with lowercase letters a., b., c., … A single counter runs across the whole selection in row-major order.
Lowercase letters are the bottom level of the I → A → 1 → a hierarchy used in Vietnamese technical documents: points a), b), c) inside a specification clause, or sub-activities in a detailed bill of quantities. Any earlier list prefix is stripped before writing.
How to use
- Select the cells you want lettered.
- Go to tab DVD Addin → group Text and Number → open the Numbered list menu → click Lower letters list.
- The command runs immediately — no dialog appears.
- The Excel status bar reports how many lines and cells were processed.
How each cell is handled:
- Text cell: every line inside the cell gets its own letter.
- Empty cell: only the prefix is written, e.g.
c.. - Formula cell: wrapped as
=""&"c. "&(original formula), keeping the formula live. - Numeric, date and TRUE/FALSE cells are skipped.
Example
Sub-activities of reinforcement work in a detailed bill of quantities:
| Before | After |
|---|---|
| Cut and bend pile cap reinforcement | a. Cut and bend pile cap reinforcement |
| Fix pile cap reinforcement | b. Fix pile cap reinforcement |
| Install cover spacers | c. Install cover spacers |
| Reinforcement inspection before pour | d. Reinforcement inspection before pour |
Notes
- After z the counter wraps back to a — it does not continue with aa, ab.
- Value cells are forced to Text format (
@) before writing. - Hidden rows and columns are skipped; a merged area counts once and the letter lands in its top-left cell.
- The counter only advances after a successful write, so a locked cell leaves no gap.
- Use (None) in the same menu to remove the prefixes rather than Ctrl+Z.
Related
- Upper letters list — the same engine with uppercase A., B., C.
- Number list — the 1., 2., 3. level that normally sits above lowercase letters.
- Multilevel 1.1.1 — an alternative when the hierarchy should follow indent levels.
- Lower letters — fills a lowercase sequence into its own column.