How to Create Fill-In Forms With Microsoft Word 2010

Making an attractive fill-in form will likely require a lot of editing.

One of the many features of Microsoft Word 2010 that may not be immediately apparent is the ability to create fill-in forms. These are forms than users can add information to by clicking the empty boxes. Setting up Word 2010 to display the necessary options is a little complicated, but after some preparation the form-creating itself is simple. It will likely involve some trial and error to make it look the way you want it to.

Instructions

1. Click "File," "Options," "Customize Ribbon." Check the "Developer" box for a pop-up toolbar.

2. Select "File," "New," "Office.com Templates." Choose a form templates, or start one from scratch.

3. Add text controls where you want users to type in text. Under the "Controls" group in the Developer toolbar, you'll see the option to add Rich Text Content or Basic Text Content. You drag a box in your form to create a text entry space.

4. Add drop-down boxes to your form (if applicable). You'll find these labeled as "Drop-Down List Content Control" in the same "Controls" group. Once you click it, you'll first have to type in the drop-down selection before adding it to your document.

5. Insert check boxes into your form (if applicable). "Check Box Content Control" lets you insert the basic boxes. Position them in your document next to the text they accompany.

6. Type the non-form content (for instance instructions, labels). Your form probably looks a mess of boxes and controls. Use "Design Mode" under the same "Controls" group to move your elements around until they look right. Click anywhere to add another basic text box for instructions or labels.

References

• Microsoft Office: Create Forms that Users Complete or Print in Word