Fillable fields let people type answers into a Word document without changing the rest of it. Word builds them with content controls on the Developer tab: text boxes, check boxes, drop-down lists and date pickers. Once the fields are in place, you can restrict editing so only the fields can be changed.
Quick Answer
Turn on the Developer tab (File, Options, Customize Ribbon, check Developer). Click where you want a field and choose a control in the Controls group. Then use Restrict Editing, Filling in forms, to lock everything else.
How to Add Fillable Fields in Word
- Go to File, Options, Customize Ribbon, check Developer and click OK.
- Type your form labels, such as Name and Date.
- Click where the answer should go and choose a control on the Developer tab: Plain Text, Rich Text, Check Box, Drop-Down List or Date Picker.
- Click Properties to add a title, placeholder text, or the items for a drop-down list.
- Select Restrict Editing, check Allow only this type of editing, choose Filling in forms, then Yes, Start Enforcing Protection.
- Save the file and send it. People can tab between the fields and fill them in.
Which Control to Use
| Control | Best for |
|---|---|
| Plain Text | Names, short answers |
| Rich Text | Answers that need formatting |
| Check Box | Yes or no items |
| Drop-Down List | A fixed set of choices |
| Date Picker | Dates in a consistent format |
Troubleshooting
- No Developer tab in Word for the web: the browser version can fill in existing controls but has limited tools for adding them, so build the form in the desktop app.
- Fields vanish when typed over: turn on Contents cannot be edited only when you want a fixed value; otherwise leave it off.
- Protection will not start: check you are not in Design Mode on the Developer tab.
- More options are in how to insert a content control in Word and how to add radio buttons in Word.
Related: Make a worksheet in Word.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can people fill in the form on a Mac?
Yes. Word for Mac supports content controls and form protection.
Should I use legacy form fields?
They still work under Legacy Tools, but content controls are easier to manage.
Can I password-protect the form?
Yes. Enter a password when you start enforcing protection.
Can I turn the form into a PDF?
Save as PDF flattens the fields, so they are no longer fillable.
Summary
- Show the Developer tab.
- Add labels.
- Insert content controls.
- Set properties for each control.
- Restrict editing to filling in forms.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.