The activex List Box control works in a similar way.
Do the same steps, but this time insert a List Box (ActivX Control).
When you click Properties, a Properties window shows.
Look about halfway down that window, type A1:A5 next to ListFillRange. Type D2 (must be empty) next to LinkedCell.
You'll notice the Design Mode button on the ribbon is pressed. Click it to un-press it and exit design mode. The control can now be
used rather than edited.
Notice now how when you click an option in the ActivX ListBox, D2 (the linked cell) displays the value (text), not the position of the selection. Just like the Form Control, if you change the cell to a value matching one of the list items, that item shows
as selected.
Remember you could have the itemlist, and the linked cell in a hidden cell, or on another sheet (which could also be hidden).
You asked what is the purpose of linking cells like this. Well if all you want from your form is to record a user's input, not need. But if you want something to
happen in Excel depending on a user's input then this is how you communicate the user's input to the rest of Excel, you formulas, etc.
You could even have a second list box that has list items that vary depending on the selection in the first list box...
Make sense?
Cheers
Rich