Creating Fillable Forms in Microsoft Word Using Just 5 Steps
Depending on the different types of documents you are required to create, you may sometimes be required to make fillable forms to collect data or for interactivity purposes. In order to do so, you will need to rely on certain steps to be able to create a ready to use and functional fillable form in Microsoft Word. Here is how you can do so in 5 steps:
1. Access Developer
In order to begin creating your fillable form, you will need to use the developer tab in Microsoft Word. For convenience purposes, use the customise ribbon function to add it for easy access. Look for the file tab and choose the options button. This will enable you to choose the customise ribbon function. You can then be able to choose the customise option- look under the main tabs section and choose the developer check box. Choose OK to finalise the change.
2. Use Templates
Instead of customising everything from scratch, save yourself a lot of grief and time by using a template or document to base your fillable form on. Start with a form template by choosing the file tab again and selecting new. You will then be able to search for the online templates you want by type. Choose the appropriate form and press Enter. Click create to start with the template, now you can add your content.
3. Use Content
Use the developer tab so that you can go into design mode and insert all the controls you will need. Depending on the things you want your users to fill up, choose the options you need. For example, text control for text insertion. You will be able to choose what users can add by customising the text content control (plain for limited text, rich text for functions like text formatting etc). Insert where you want the function to be placed.
4. Customise content control
Your developer tab allows you to choose the content control and customise the properties so that your users will be able to respond to the fillable form according to how you designate. You can set up properties for picture contents, building blocks, combo-boxes, drop down lists, date pickers and more! These will act as the guidelines to the “meat” of your data.
5. Instructions
To further facilitate the users of the fillable forms, Microsoft Word allows users to insert instructions for guidelines. You can insert instructions by changing the content control option. To do so, look for the developer tab again and choose design mode. You can then be able to choose content control when you want to edit the instruction text. Format it as you please and turn off design mode to save the instructions.
These are the 5 steps you need in order to create fillable forms. Test out the steps and try creating your own fillable form today! Remember to test out the possibilities and make sure your fillable form is functional before saving the final file.