How to make Fillable Form in Microsoft Word

Introduction

Creating a fillable form in Microsoft Word allows you to build a form that users can fill out without altering the original content. This type of form is great for surveys, order forms, and more. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to create your own fillable form using various features in Word, such as checkboxes, text fields, and drop-down lists.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open Your Word Document

Start by opening the Word document you want to transform into a fillable form. For illustration, we'll use an order form for the Kevin Cookie Company.

2. Customize the Ribbon

To access the tools needed to create a form, you need to enable the Developer tab:

• Hover over the ribbon and right-click.
• Select "Customize the Ribbon."
• Check the box next to "Developer" and click "OK."

3. Insert Text Fields

For text entry, you have two options:

• Rich Text Content Control
• Plain Text Content Control

To insert a plain text content control:

• Place your cursor in the desired location.
• Click on "Plain Text Content Control" in the Developer tab.
• Optionally, you can customize this control using the "Properties" button.

4. Add Checkboxes

To allow users to select options with checkboxes:

• Place your cursor in front of each option.
• Click "Checkbox Content Control" on the Developer tab.
• Optionally, access "Properties" to customize each checkbox.

5. Create Drop-Down Lists

For questions with predefined options:

• Choose either "Combo Box Content Control" or "Drop-Down List Content Control" for flexibility or fixed options, respectively.
• Insert the control by clicking the appropriate button on the Developer tab.
• Click "Properties" and add the list items.

6. Date Picker

To include a date picker:

• Click "Date Picker Content Control" from the Developer tab.
• Customize it as needed using the "Properties" button.

7. Insert Picture Control

To allow users to add a picture:

• Click "Picture Content Control" from the Developer tab.

8. Lock the Form

To prevent changes to the form structure:

• Click "Restrict Editing" in the Developer tab.
• Check "Allow only this type of editing in the document" and select "Filling in forms."
• Click "Yes, Start Enforcing Protection" and set a password if desired.

Distribute Your Form

Your form is now ready for distribution. Users can fill it out, save, print, or email it back to you.

Keywords

• Fillable form
• Microsoft Word
• Developer tab
• Text fields
• Checkboxes
• Drop-down lists
• Date picker
• Picture control
• Restrict editing

FAQ

Q1. How do I enable the Developer tab in Microsoft Word?

• Right-click on the ribbon, select "Customize the Ribbon," check the "Developer" box, and click "OK."

Q2. What is the difference between Rich Text Content Control and Plain Text Content Control?

• Rich Text allows for text formatting (e.g., bold, color). Plain Text does not support text formatting within the field.

Q3. Can I customize the appearance of checkboxes?

• Yes, you can access the properties of each checkbox to modify how checked and unchecked states look.

Q4. What is a Combo Box Content Control?

• A combo box allows users to choose from a drop-down list and also add their own text option.

Q5. How do I restrict editing in my form?

• Use the "Restrict Editing" option under the Developer tab, check the "Allow only this type of editing in the document" box, select "Filling in forms," and start enforcement, optionally using a password.

Q6. Can users add pictures to the fillable form?

• Yes, by inserting a Picture Content Control, users can click on it to add a picture from their device.

By following these steps, you can create a professional and functional fillable form in Microsoft Word, perfect for collecting structured information.