How to Make a Word Document Fillable 

Quick Tips

• You can create a fillable form in Microsoft Word by adding interactive elements to your document.
• You’ll first need to enable Developer Tools in Word Options before you can do so.
• There are many options and customization tools to choose from.

Have you ever wanted your static Word documents to be a little more, well, interactive? Why not make it fillable? Yes, in this article, we’re going to be looking at the basics of adding interactive elements to your document, transforming them into PDFs rather than having them ready solely for printing. Join us as we show you how to make a Word Document fillable.

The Magic of Fillable Forms

Creating a fillable form means turning your Word document from something static into something dynamic and interactive. With a fillable form, you can include checkboxes, dropdown lists, input boxes, and more. It can be used to create multiple-choice quizzes for the classroom or feedback forms for events. HR can use it to streamline hiring applications, while healthcare can make consent forms a breeze.

How to Make a Word Document Fillable – It’s All in Developer Tools

So, how do you make a form fillable? Developer Tools is the magic toolbox that allows unlimited expression. That said, the tab isn’t included by Default in Word, so it must be enabled manually. Here’s how to do that:

Step 1. Click the “File” tab in the Command ribbon.

Step 2. Near the bottom of the window, click “Options.”

Step 3. In Word Options, choose “Customize Ribbon” from the sidebar and then navigate the right-most window down until you reach “Developer.” Check the box next to it.

Step 4. The “Developer tab should now be visible in your Command Ribbon.

Fillable Fields Galore

With Developer Tools now enabled, you can set about making fillable forms in Word. The fillable features you can include are all found in the “Controls subgroup.” Here’s a quick rundown:

• Plain and Rich Text – Choose between text that has no formatting and text that allows for adjustments such as italics and underlining.
• Check Boxes – Create a list with multiple boxes that can be checked.
• Drop-down Boxes or Combo Boxes – Create lists to choose from with set options, or allow users to input their own.
• Date Picker – Need to input a calendar with freedom to choose dates? This is your option.
• Legacy Tools – Need fillable fields that come from older versions of Word and Windows? Legacy Tools contains a lot of the classics.

Customize Your Forms

Within this vast freedom of choice comes the chance to blow things even wider. “Design Mode” enables access to “Properties.” With these two enabled, you’ll be able to click “Properties” for any inserted form and customize it even further.

The Power of Add-Ins

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel if others have done it first. This goes for online users as well as Microsoft Word through the “Add-ins” subgroup. You can use third-party, user-generated, or local templates to help speed up your form generation process.

Code Your Way

If the GUI is too slow or clumsy for you, then the “Code” subgroup might be right for you. If you know your way around Visual Basic, you’ll be able to create a fillable form the way you want to. You can also use “Macros” to record and then automate repetitive tasks, making form creation that much easier.

Control Access

Don’t want users tinkering too much? You can easily put formatting and editing restrictions in place by using the “Restrict Editing” option in “Protect.”

In addition, if you’re wondering how to make a fillable PDF from a Word document, then you can keep your interactivity and protections in place by saving the document as a PDF in “Save As.” It’s as easy as that.