How to Insert a Checkbox in Word (Printable or Clickable)
There are two kinds of checkbox in Word. One is a printable box you tick with a pen. The other is clickable, so people can tick it on screen. Here's how to make both.
Option 1: Printable checkboxes (for paper)
Use a checkbox as a bullet point so every new line gets one automatically.
1. Select your list (or click where it will start).
2. On the Home tab, click the arrow next to Bullets.
3. Choose Define New Bullet… → Symbol.
4. Change the font to Wingdings.
5. Scroll to the empty box ☐ (character code 168) and click OK.
2. On the Home tab, click the arrow next to Bullets.
3. Choose Define New Bullet… → Symbol.
4. Change the font to Wingdings.
5. Scroll to the empty box ☐ (character code 168) and click OK.
Press Enter after each item and a new checkbox appears.
Option 2: Clickable checkboxes (on screen)
Step 1: Show the Developer tab
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: Insert the checkbox
1. Click where you want the checkbox.
2. Go to Developer.
3. In the Controls group, click the Check Box Content Control (the box with a tick).
2. Go to Developer.
3. In the Controls group, click the Check Box Content Control (the box with a tick).
Click the box to tick it; click again to untick it.
Change the tick symbol
By default the ticked box shows an ✗. To use a ✓ instead:
1. Click the checkbox.
2. Go to Developer → Properties.
3. Next to Checked symbol, click Change…
4. Choose the tick (in the font Wingdings 2, character R is a ticked box ☑).
2. Go to Developer → Properties.
3. Next to Checked symbol, click Change…
4. Choose the tick (in the font Wingdings 2, character R is a ticked box ☑).
Make a neat to-do list
Insert a two-column table with no borders. Put checkboxes in the first column and your tasks in the second. Everything lines up perfectly.
Stop people editing the rest of the page
If you're sending a form, go to Developer → Restrict Editing → Filling in forms → Yes, Start Enforcing Protection. People can tick the boxes but can't change anything else.
On a Mac
Go to Word → Preferences → Ribbon & Toolbar and tick Developer. Then use Developer → Check Box.
Wrapping up
Printing it? Use a Wingdings bullet. Filling it in on screen? Turn on the Developer tab and use the Check Box control.
