How to Create Order Forms in Open Office
An order form is a tool for collecting information needed to satisfy your client or customer. The extensive capabilities of OpenOffice.org Writer allow you to create an order form customized to your business, whether you provide a service or physical products. You can use this order form on your computer for quick and easy storage. You can also create a form on paper. Either way, the process for creating your order form in OpenOffice.org is the same.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Create a new document in Writer. Make sure that the "Form Controls" toolbar is visible and that Writer is in Design Mode. Click "View" on the menu, then select "Toolbars." If "Form Controls" isn't checked, click it. Click the "Design Mode On/Off" icon if it is not already selected.
-
2
Create a header with your company logo. Use your standard letterhead if you have one. If you don't have letterhead, create a footer for your contact information, or include it in the header. The U.S. Small Business Administration suggests including your fax number.
-
-
3
Type "Order Form" at the top of the page, within or directly beneath the header.
-
4
Create a section for information about the customer. Make this subhead bold, or use one of the "Heading" styles. Include the client name, organization, mailing address, home and work phone numbers, email and preferred method of contact.
-
5
Create a section for the information you need to complete the order. This may be a simple table with separate columns for quantity, part title and unit price, and a line for total cost at the bottom. If your product is a service, this section may be a list of options and details. Include a field for the order date and, if applicable, the deadline. Create a category for special instructions.
-
6
Insert a text box next to any category requiring a free-form answer. Select the "Text Box" icon in the "Form Controls" toolbar, and draw a rectangle next to the label.
-
7
Create check boxes for situations where you want to list commonly used options, such as preferred method of contact. Click the "Check Box" icon in the "Form Controls" toolbar, and draw a rectangle. Double-click the word "check box" and enter the option in the "Label" field. Change any other settings you would like before closing the window.
-
8
Save the file with the extension .ott.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Make the text boxes larger if you intend to use your order form on paper.
You may want to include a box for a unique order form number. Position this at the top of the page.
You can combine a contract for services with an order form.
When you use an order form on the computer, make sure that Writer is not in Design Mode. You will know this is the case if you cannot use the text or check boxes.
