How to make Fillable Form in Microsoft Word, by Kevin Stratvert on YouTube. 12 min.
- Video length
- 12 min
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Open Word and start a new blank document, or open the form you want to turn into a fillable one. Save it with a clear name before you add fields.
Right-click the ribbon and choose Customize the Ribbon. Tick Developer in the right-hand list and click OK so the Developer tab appears.
On the Developer tab, click the plain text content control icon to add a text field. Click the field and type a label or placeholder such as Name.
Place the cursor where a yes or no answer goes and click the check box content control. Repeat for each option you want people to tick.
For a list people can type into or pick from, click the combo box content control, then click Properties to add your list items.
For a fixed list of choices, click the drop-down list content control and use Properties to enter each option, such as Small, Medium and Large.
Click the date picker content control where a date is needed. Use Properties to pick the date format you want to show.
Add a picture content control if you want the person filling the form to insert an image, then add a rich text field for longer answers.
On the Developer tab, click Restrict Editing. Tick Allow only this type of editing, choose Filling in forms, then click Yes, Start Enforcing Protection and set a password.
Save the document and test it by clicking each field and typing or selecting an answer. Share the file or export it to PDF if you need a fixed layout.
Tips and common mistakes
Turn on the Developer tab first, because the form controls are hidden without it.
Use plain text fields for short answers and rich text fields only when people need bold or lists.
Set a password on Restrict Editing so users cannot accidentally change your labels or layout.
Test every field before sharing, since a broken drop-down list is easy to miss.
Questions
Can I make the form fillable in Word and then send it as a PDF?
Yes. Build and protect the form in Word, then use Save As or Export to create a PDF. Check that the fields still work in your PDF reader before sending.
Why can't I see the Developer tab?
It is hidden by default. Right-click the ribbon, choose Customize the Ribbon, tick Developer and click OK.
Can people still edit my form after I protect it?
Only if they know the password you set. Without it they can fill in the fields but not change the text or layout.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
