Creating Forms in Microsoft Word

Lunch and Learn: April 2, 2008

Plan Ahead

• Plan ahead for the specific form you need.• What types of fields should be on the form?• Will recipients/users have Word on their

PCs?• How should they send you the completed

forms?

Begin Your Document

• Consider the adage: Input your content and then make it look pretty.

(In short, content first and then form fields)

Turn Your Forms Tools On

• Access the View menu and select Toolbars.

• Select Forms.

Insert Your Fields

• Place your cursor where you would like the first form field.

• Click the appropriate form toolbar button.

Button

Function

Text Box

Checkbox or Radio Button

Drop-Down Pick List

Customize Your Fields

• Double-Click a field to bring up its settings/options.

Customize a Text Field

Text Field Options:• Type: Text, number or

date• Default: Text to appear

before user types• Max Length: Number

of characters (max)• Text Format:

Uppercase, lowercase, initial caps or title case

Customize a Checkbox Field

Checkbox Field Options:

• Size: Match your point size to your font size

• Default Value: Appearance before user acts

Customize a Drop-Down List FieldField Options:• Drop-Down Item:

Type your first entry and click the Add button.

• Up/Down Arrows: Sort your list as desired with the arrow buttons

Lock Your Form

• Lock your form to protect it from accidentally being altered. This isn’t for security as much as it is a safety net.

• Click the Protect Form button on the Forms toolbar. Tab from field to field for use.

Consider How It Will Be Used

• Consider the following, depending upon how the document may be used:• Password-Protect the file from being modified

(Tools – Options – Security)• Save the document as a template, not a

document(File – Save As – File Type – Document Template)