Select where you want to add a dropdown list with the cursor.

Dropdown Lists and Combo Boxesįor fields with a limited set of options, use a dropdown list. You can then add text before or after the check box to label it on the form.Īs well as the standard options noted for text boxes above, if you click Properties after selecting a check box, you will be able to customize the image used for the “Checked” and “Unchecked” symbols. To add a check box, click the Check Box Content Control option. You’ll be able to do the above for all the following controls, too.

Lock the field so it can’t be deleted or so its contents can’t be edited.

Control the style of the field and text within it.

Give the content control a name and tag.

And when you’re finished customizing the text box, deselect Design Mode to exit.įor more customization, you can also select the text box you want to edit, then click Properties in the Developer tab. This will let you type your own instructions in text boxes. To customize the default text, click Design Mode in the Developer tab.

In either case, clicking these buttons will add a default text box. The rich text version will let the user format individual words or characters in their response, but the plain text option will be adequate in most cases. You have two options for adding a text box via the Developer tab: Rich Text Content Control and Plain Text Content Control. Text boxes allow a user to type their own responses, so they’re most useful for fields with a wide range of possible answers (e.g., names, addresses). Read on below to find out how each of these controls works.

The Content Control options on the Developer tab.

Picture controls (i.e., a field that lets users quickly add an image).

Date pickers (i.e., a menu that lets users select a date).

Dropdown lists (i.e., a menu with options the user can select from.

Check boxes (i.e., options that users can select or deselect).

Text boxes (i.e., fields in which users can type freely).

Here, though, we’re going to focus on five key tools: When you select this tab, you’ll see a variety of options, including for macros and add-ins.

Click OK (or Save on Mac computers) to add the tab to the ribbon.

In the Main Tabs section, find and select the Developer check box.

Alternatively, if you’re a Mac user, go to Word > Preferences > Ribbon and Toolbar > Customize the Ribbon > Main Tabs.

If you’re using Word for Windows, go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon.

And to create one in Microsoft Word, you’ll need to add the developer tab: How to Find the Developer Tabįillable forms are perfect for collating standardized information. And in this post, we’re looking at how to add this tab to the main ribbon in Microsoft Word, plus a few key controls you can use to make a fillable form. How to Create a Fillable Form in Microsoft Wordĭid you know that you can create an interactive form in Microsoft Word? To do this, you’ll need to use the “Developer” tab.

Microsoft word options to fill in form