Creating Forms in Word
Did you know that you can incorporate content controls in Word to create forms that users can easily fill out? These content controls include elements such as check boxes, text boxes, date pickers, and drop-down lists.
Displaying the Developer Tab
Windows
- Navigate to the File tab, then go to Options à Customize Ribbon.
- Under Main Tabs, check the Developer box.
macOS
- On the Word menu, select Preferences.
- Select Ribbon and Toolbar à Customzie the Ribbon à Main Tabs.
- Check the Developer box and select Save.
You can start with a pre-designed form template to save time or start from scratch using a blank template.
Adding Content to the Form
- Go to Developer in the ribbon.
- Select the controls that you wish to add to the document or form.
- To remove a content control, click on it and press Delete.
Frequently Used Content Controls
- Rich Text or Plain Texta: The former allows users to format text (e.g., bold or italic) and add multiple paragraphs.
- Date Picker: Optionally, customized the control’s properties to select the desired date format.
- Combo Box or Drop-Down List: In addition to selecting from a predefined list of choices, a combo box allows users to input their own information. To configure these controls, select the content control and then choose Properties. Click Add under Drop-Down List Properties to create a list of choices. Type a choice in Display Name, such as “Yes”, “No”, or “Maybe”.
- Check Box: Insert the check box control where it’s needed.
Securing the Form
Use the Restrict Editing command on the Protect tab to limit others’ ability to edit or reformat the form. After selecting restrictions, select Yes, Start Enforcing Protection.