Creating Forms in Microsoft Word

1. Creating Forms in Microsoft Word Lunch and Learn: April 2, 2008

2. Plan Ahead • Plan ahead for the specific form you need. • What types of fields should be on the form? • Will recipients/users have Word on their PCs? • How should they send you the completed forms?

3. Begin Your Document • Consider the adage: Input your content and then make it look pretty.(In short, content first and then form fields)

4. Turn Your Forms Tools On • Access the View menu and select Toolbars. • Select Forms.

5. Insert Your Fields • Place your cursor where you would like the first form field. • Click the appropriate form toolbar button.

6. Customize Your Fields • Double-Click a field to bring up its settings/options.

7. Text Field Options: Type: Text, number or date Default: Text to appear before user types Max Length: Number of characters (max) Text Format: Uppercase, lowercase, initial caps or title case Customize a Text Field

8. Checkbox Field Options: Size: Match your point size to your font size Default Value: Appearance before user acts Customize a Checkbox Field

9. Field Options: Drop-Down Item: Type your first entry and click the Add button. Up/Down Arrows: Sort your list as desired with the arrow buttons Customize a Drop-Down List Field

10. Lock Your Form • Lock your form to protect it from accidentally being altered. This isn’t for security as much as it is a safety net. • Click the Protect Form button on the Forms toolbar. Tab from field to field for use.

11. Consider How It Will Be Used • Consider the following, depending upon how the document may be used: • Password-Protect the file from being modified(Tools – Options – Security) • Save the document as a template, not a document(File – Save As – File Type – Document Template)