How to Create a Fillable Form in Word
A fillable form lets people type answers straight into boxes, choose from a drop-down list or tick checkboxes — without being able to mess up the rest of your layout. It's perfect for booking forms, questionnaires and job applications.
Step 1: Show the Developer tab
The form tools live on the Developer tab, which is hidden by default.
1. Go to File → Options → Customize Ribbon.
2. Tick Developer in the right-hand list.
3. Click OK.
2. Tick Developer in the right-hand list.
3. Click OK.
Step 2: Lay out your form
Type your questions first. A table works brilliantly — questions in the left column, answer boxes in the right — because everything lines up neatly. You can remove the borders afterwards.
Step 3: Add form fields
Click where each answer should go, then choose a control from Developer → Controls:
| Control | Use it for |
|---|---|
| Plain Text (Aa) | Names, addresses, short answers |
| Rich Text (Aa) | Longer answers that may need formatting |
| Drop-Down List | Choosing one option from a list |
| Combo Box | A list where people can also type their own answer |
| Date Picker | Dates, with a pop-up calendar |
| Check Box | Yes/no or tick-all-that-apply |
Step 4: Set up the drop-down lists
1. Click the drop-down control.
2. Go to Developer → Properties.
3. Under Drop-Down List Properties, click Add… and type each option.
4. Remove the Choose an item entry if you don't want it.
2. Go to Developer → Properties.
3. Under Drop-Down List Properties, click Add… and type each option.
4. Remove the Choose an item entry if you don't want it.
Step 5: Change the placeholder text
Each control shows grey Click or tap here to enter text. To change it:
1. Click Developer → Design Mode.
2. Edit the placeholder text, for example Enter your full name.
3. Click Design Mode again to turn it off.
2. Edit the placeholder text, for example Enter your full name.
3. Click Design Mode again to turn it off.
Step 6: Lock the form
1. Go to Developer → Restrict Editing.
2. Under Editing restrictions, tick the box and choose Filling in forms.
3. Click Yes, Start Enforcing Protection.
4. Add a password if you want to stop people unlocking it.
2. Under Editing restrictions, tick the box and choose Filling in forms.
3. Click Yes, Start Enforcing Protection.
4. Add a password if you want to stop people unlocking it.
Now people can only click into the fields. Press Tab to move from one field to the next.
Step 7: Save and share
Save as a normal .docx file. If you'll reuse it, save as a Word Template (.dotx) so every new copy starts blank.
Troubleshooting
I can't edit my own form. Protection is on. Developer → Restrict Editing → Stop Protection.
People open it on a phone or in a browser. Content controls work best in the desktop version of Word. For online forms, consider Microsoft Forms instead.
Wrapping up
Turn on Developer, add controls, set your drop-down options, then Restrict Editing → Filling in forms.
