Microsoft Word allows you to transform a static document into an interactive fillable form. By adding content controls like text boxes, drop downs, and checkboxes, you can create a form for applications, surveys, quizzes, and more. This tutorial will walk through the key steps.
## Enabling the Developer Tab
To access the controls for creating forms, you first need to enable the Developer tab:
### Where is the Developer tab?
– The Developer tab is hidden by default in Word.
### How do I enable the Developer tab?
– Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon. Check the box for Developer and click OK. The tab will now be visible.
## Inserting Content Controls
Content controls allow you to insert fields for user interactivity:
### What are the types of content controls?
– Plain text – A text box for typed entries
– Drop down – A menu to select from pre-set options
– Date picker – Select a date from a calendar
– Checkbox – Tick to check/uncheck
– Combo box – A drop-down and text box combined
### How do I insert content controls?
– Go to the Developer tab and click Controls.
– Click on the control type you want to insert.
– Drag to size it and format as desired.
## Formatting the Overall Document
Use Word’s tools to polish the form’s overall appearance:
– Set the page size, margins, and orientation.
– Insert headers, footers and page numbers.
– Apply styles consistently to format text.
– Use images, text boxes and shapes if desired.
## Configuring Control Properties
Right-click each control and select Properties to set options:
– Add placeholder instructional text.
– Allow or disable rich text formatting.
– Require entries for necessary fields.
– Limit choices for drop downs and combos.
## Protecting the Form
To prevent unwanted changes:
– Go to Developer > Protect > Restrict Editing
– Check Editing Restrictions and select Filling in forms.
– Click Yes to enforce protection.
## Distributing and Collecting Responses
To circulate and gather completed forms:
– Save as PDF to retain formatting.
– Enable recipients to save completed versions.
– Collect via email, cloud folders, etc.
With a few simple steps you can create, distribute and gather results from interactive Word forms. Let us know if you have any other Microsoft office tips and tricks you’d like to see!
