How do I Add a Drop-Down Box in a Form Using Word 2007?

Microsoft Word 2007 allows users to create fillable forms with a few clicks.

Microsoft Word 2007 makes it easy to add fields like drop-down boxes to your form---if you know the right place to look. In Word 2007, form fields are created through the Developer tab, a tab that is not displayed by default. Once you have located and selected the Developer Ribbon, you can add a drop-down box to your form in just a few steps.

Instructions

1. Set up your Developer tab to be displayed. Click the Microsoft Office icon located in the top left corner. Click the "Word Options" box at the bottom.

2. In the Word Options box, select "Popular" from the list on the left. Check "Show Developer tab in the Ribbon." Click "OK" to save. When you return to Word, you will see the Developer tab.

3. Create a form template. Click the Microsoft Office icon again, then click "New." Under templates, click "My Templates." Double-click "Normal," then select "Template" or "Document" under "Create New." Click "OK" to save.

4. Name the new template by clicking on the Microsoft Office icon, selecting "Save As" and typing in a name. Click "OK" to save.

5. Click on the Developer tab then "Design Mode" in the Controls box. Place the cursor where you want to add the drop-down box.

6. From the Controls box, click on the icon for a drop-down list. If you hover your mouse over the icons, text will appear letting you know what the different icons represent.

7. Click "Properties" in the Control box. On the bottom half of the Properties box, you will see an area called "Drop-Down List Properties." Click "Add" to enter the drop-down list options.

8. Click "OK" after you have entered all options for the drop-down list. Save the form.

References

• Microsoft Office: Create forms that users complete in Word
• Dickinson College: Microsoft Word 2007: Create forms that users complete in Word

Resources

• Brown University: Screencast: Making Forms in Microsoft Word 2007 for Windows