How to Create a Fillable Form In Word for Windows

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.

   
   

2. Then, choose Options.

3. Select Customize Ribbon.

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

5. Check the box for Developer.

6. Press OK.

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”.

2. Select the Developer tab.

3. Place your cursor at the beginning of the sentence you’ve written.

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

5. Choose somewhere else in the document to apply it.

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.

2. Select the Developer tab.

   
   

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

4. Select somewhere outside the new entry to apply it.

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”

2. Select the Developer tab.

3. Place the cursor in the document where you want the options to appear.

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

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

6. Press Add.

7. Type Yes, and press OK.

8. Press Add.

9. Type No, and press OK.

10. Press Add again.

11. Type Maybe, and press OK.

12. Make any other changes (if desired).

13. Press OK.

14. Select somewhere outside the box to apply it; select inside the box to see how it works.

Create More Free Fillable Forms in Word

There are other types of form options you can create in Word. When experimenting with these, you’ll generally work in this order:

1. Type an introductory sentence or paragraph.

2. Place the cursor where you want the new control to go.

3. Choose the control from the Controls group on the Developer tab (hover your mouse over any control to see its name).

4. If applicable, select Properties.

5. Configure properties as necessary for the control you’ve selected.

6. Press OK.