How to Create a Fillable Form In Word for Windows

Joli Ballew is a former freelance contributor to Lifewire and Microsoft MVP, Lynda.com trainer, Microsoft Press author, and college professor.

• Western Governors University

Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions.

What to Know

• To add a fillable object, place the cursor where you want it and go to Developer tab >control type > click on page.
• To add the Developer tab, go to File >Options >Customize Ribbon >Main Tab >Developer >OK.

This article explains how to create a fillable form document in Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2019, 2016, 2013, and 2010.

How to Add the Developer Tab in Microsoft Word

The form data you create can include the option to choose a date, mark a checkbox, select Yes or No, and more. Before you can configure these controls, you must add the Developer tab to Microsoft Word as they are called. You can create and configure any form data using this tab.

1. Select File from the top menu.
   

Then, choose Options.

Select Customize Ribbon.

In the right pane of the dialog of Customize Ribbon part, choose Main Tabs.

Check the box for Developer.

How to Create a Fillable Form in Word with a Checkbox

There are several types of fillable form options in Word. These are called “Controls”. The options are in the Controls group on the Ribbon. You can include a checkbox, date selection box, a combo box with choices you create, drop-down lists, and more. These controls are on the Developer tab.

To create a basic fillable form in Word by providing a checkbox:

1. Type the text to apply the checkbox. Examples include:
   • “Opt into promotional emails”.
   • “I agree to the terms stated in this document”.
   • “I have completed all tasks”.

Select the Developer tab.

Select the Check Box Content Control that adds a check mark. (It has a blue checkmark on it.)

To remove any fillable entry, right-click it and choose Remove Content Control. Then use the Delete key on the keyboard to delete anything remains. In some instances simply clicking Delete will suffice.

How to Make a Form in Word with a Date Control

You add a Date Control from the Developer tab to enable users to select a date from a pop-up calendar that appears when they click the control.

To add a Date Control fillable form entry:

1. Place your cursor in the document where you’d like to add the Date Control.

Select the Developer tab.

Choose the Date Picker Content Control entry for inserting a date control.

How to Make a Form in Word for a Combo Box

If you want to have users choose something from a list that you provide, you use a Combo Box. After you create the box using the Developer tab options, you then access the Properties options for it to enter the available choices. In this example you will create a drop-down list for a party invitation, with options including Yes, No, Maybe.

To create a Combo Box to Make a Form in Word:

1. Write a sentence that will precede the options you’ll provide. Examples include:
   • “Will you attend the party?”
   • “Will you be bringing a dish to the party”

Select the Developer tab.

Select the Combo Box Content Control icon. (It’s generally located to the right of the blue checkbox icon.)

On the Developer tab, in the Controls section, choose Properties.

Press Add.