# Dropdown

A list of predefined options to categorize clippings


A list of predefined options to choose from. Ideal for categorizing clippings by topic, media type, spokesperson, or any other classification that matters to your analysis.

## Configuration

- **Options** — define the list of values users can choose from
- **Default value** — optionally set a default option that is pre-selected for new clippings

## Numeric values

Each dropdown option has an optional **numeric value** that is used when the dropdown is referenced in [formula metrics](/help/clippings/custom-metrics/formulas). This allows you to assign a weight or score to each option, so formulas can calculate with dropdown selections.

To configure numeric values, click the **Numeric values** button when editing a dropdown metric's options. Each option defaults to a value of `1`.

### Example: Media tier scoring

| Option            | Numeric value |
| ----------------- | ------------- |
| Tier 1 (national) | 3             |
| Tier 2 (regional) | 2             |
| Tier 3 (local)    | 1             |

A formula metric like `@Media Tier * @Media Value` would then multiply the media value by the tier weight — giving Tier 1 outlets three times the score of Tier 3 outlets.

### Example: Sentiment weighting

| Option   | Numeric value |
| -------- | ------------- |
| Positive | 1             |
| Neutral  | 0             |
| Negative | -1            |

A formula like `@Sentiment * @Visibility Score` would produce positive scores for positive coverage and negative scores for negative coverage.

## When to use

- Categorizing clippings (topic, media type, region)
- Classifying by spokesperson or campaign
- Any dimension with a fixed set of possible values
- Assigning numeric weights for use in [formula calculations](/help/clippings/custom-metrics/formulas)