Go to Developer and select the controls that you want to add to the document or form. To delete a content control, select it and press DELETE. Once inserted, you can set properties for controls. Reopen the form, fill it out as the user does, and then save a copy. Explanatory text (such as “Enter First Name”) in a text box can make the form easier to use. By default, no text appears in a text box, but you can add it. To create a form in Word that other users can fill out, start with a template or document and add content controls. Content controls include things such as check boxes, text boxes, date pickers, and drop-down lists. If you are familiar with databases, these content controls can even be bound to data. Under Search for templates online, type forms or the type of form that you want, and then press ENTER. You can create the form by using the desktop version of Word by following the instructions in Create a fillable form. The text format can determine whether text is automatically uppercase, lowercase, uppercase, or titled.

If you want, you can test the form before distributing it. Creating fillable forms is not available in Word for the web. In a combo box, users can choose from a list of choices that you specify, or they can enter their own information. From a drop-down list, users can only select from the drop-down list. Each content control has properties that you can set or modify. For example, the date picker control provides options for the format that you want to use to display the date. In a rich text content control, users can bold or italicize text and enter multiple paragraphs. If you want to restrict what users add, include the plain text content control. Double-click the form template that you want to use. Note: You can print a form created with content controls, but the fields around the content controls are not printed.

You can start with a blank document and create your own form. To save time, you can also start with a form template. Legacy form controls are compatible with older versions of Word and consist of legacy forms and Active X controls. Note: To unprotect the form and continue editing, select Protect Form again. Select File > Save As and choose a location for the form. To limit the number of other users who can edit or format a form, use the Restrict Editing command: Type Select Regular Text, Number, Date, Current Date, Current Time, or Calculation. Select a form template, and then choose Create or Upload. To save time, start with a form template or start over with a blank template. An image control is often used for templates, but you can also add an image control to a form.

Calculate at output This forces Word to perform or update calculations, such as the total price when the user leaves the field. When you save the document and reopen it in Word for the web, you see the changes you made. Select the development and content controls for the building block. Check box selected Allows the user to select or delete the text box. To set specific properties for the control, select and set options. Select the legacy form or Active X control that you want to include. To create a list of choices, under Drop-down list properties, select Add. Drop-down menu enabled Allows the user to open the combo box and make a selection.

Under Developer, select a text box, check box, or combo box. Drop-down item Enter strings for list box items. Press + or Enter to add an item to the list. Select the content control that you want to edit. Select Developer > Rich Text Content Control or Plain Text Content Control. If you don`t see the Developer tab on the ribbon, see Show the Developer tab. Maximum Length specifies the length of text that a user can enter. The default value is Unlimited.

Note: To create a list of drop-down items in a combo box, select the placeholder for the combo box, click Options, and then add the items that you want to appear in the drop-down list. Go to DeveloperBuilding Block Gallery Content Control (or Building Block Content Control). The standard text specifies the optional instruction text that appears in the text box before the user types the field. Set the text box to On so that the user can enter text in the field. Default Choose between Not Enabled or Enabled by default. The options allow you to specify general settings and control specific settings. Select a control, and then choose options to configure it or make changes. Size check box Set an Exact or Automatic size to resize as needed. Repeat this step until all options appear in the drop-down list. Make sure Filled On, and then choose OK. In Display name, type a selection, such as Yes, No, or Maybe.

If you want to protect only parts of the document, separate the document into sections and protect only the sections that you want. To do this, select Select Sections in the Restrict Editing panel. For more information about sections, see Insert a section break. Use building block controls when you want users to select a specific block of text. For example, building block controls are useful when you need to add different standard text based on specific contract requirements. You can create RTF content controls for any version of the default text, and then use a building block control as a container for RTF content controls. In the left pane, expand Online Templates, and then select Forms. Repeat steps 1 through 3 for each control that you want to add. Select the content control, and then select Properties. On the Developer tab, under Form Controls, select Options.

Items in the drop-down list Displays your current list. Select an item and use the up or down arrows to edit the order. Press – to delete a selected item. On the right side of the ribbon, choose Ribbon Settings. Add help text Provide tips or instructions for each field. Note: If you select the Unable to edit content check box, users cannot click a selection. Bookmarks Set a unique name or bookmark for each control. Click or tap where you want to insert the date picker control. Run Macro For allows you to select a recorded or custom macro to run when you type or exit the field. After selecting Refiners, select Yes, start applying protection. For more information about setting specific properties for the control, see Set or Modify Content Control Properties. Text field enabled Allows the user to enter text in a field.

If the default text exists, it is replaced with user text. In the document, click or tap where you want to add a content control.