In current desktop versions of Microsoft Word, a fillable field is called a content control. For a basic text field, place the cursor where the response should go and select Developer > Plain Text Content Control. You can also add rich-text, choice-list, date, checkbox, and picture controls without using code.
These instructions apply to Word for Microsoft 365, Word for Microsoft 365 for Mac, Word 2024, Word 2024 for Mac, Word 2021, Word 2021 for Mac, Word 2019, and Word 2016.
Before you start
Use the desktop version of Word to create the form. Word for the web can display a document containing form controls, but it does not currently provide the tools needed to create fillable forms.
You do not need a command, field code, macro, or Insert > Text Box. A standard text box is a layout object, not a modern fillable form field.
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Show the Developer tab
The Developer tab is hidden by default. Enable it once before adding content controls.
Windows
- Select File > Options.
- Select Customize Ribbon.
- Under Customize the Ribbon and Main Tabs, select the Developer check box.
- Select OK.
Mac
- Select Word > Preferences.
- Select Ribbon and Toolbar.
- Under Customize the Ribbon and Main Tabs, select Developer.
- Select Save.
The tab normally remains visible until you clear its check box or reinstall Microsoft Office.
How to insert a basic fillable text field
A plain-text content control is the best choice for a name, phone number, account number, short answer, or other single-line response.
- Open the document and place the cursor where the response should go. You can type a label first, such as Name: or Order number:.
- Select Developer > Plain Text Content Control. The control appears at the cursor position.
- Save the document as a Word document, preferably in the .docx format.
- Click inside the control and type a response to test it.
For example, a form line can contain the text Employee name: followed by a plain-text content control. The person completing the form clicks the control and replaces its placeholder text.
When to use a rich-text field
Choose Developer > Rich Text Content Control instead when the user may need to enter a paragraph, several paragraphs, or formatted text such as bold or italic text.
Use rich text for fields such as:
- Project descriptions
- Incident explanations
- Comments and feedback
- Terms that may contain multiple paragraphs
For a short, unformatted answer, plain text is simpler and gives the form a more predictable layout.
Other fillable controls in Word
The Controls section of the Developer tab includes more than text fields:
| Control | Best use | Important behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Text Content Control | Short, unformatted answers | Users enter text without rich formatting |
| Rich Text Content Control | Long or formatted answers | Allows formatting and multiple paragraphs |
| Picture Content Control | Photos, signatures, or logos | Provides an area for an image |
| Building Block Gallery Content Control | Reusable building blocks | Displays building-block content from a gallery |
| Drop-Down List Content Control | A fixed set of choices | Users must choose one of the supplied values |
| Combo Box Content Control | Suggested choices with an optional custom answer | Users can choose a listed value or type their own |
| Date Picker Content Control | Dates such as start date or birthday | Provides a calendar-style date picker |
| Check Box Content Control | Yes/no selections or multiple selections | Users click to select or clear the box |
Add a drop-down list
A drop-down list is useful when respondents must choose from approved answers, such as a department, state, priority, or payment method.
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- Place the cursor where the list should appear.
- Select Developer > Drop-Down List Content Control.
- Select the shaded control box itself. Do not select only the cursor inside its text.
- Select Developer > Properties.
- Under Drop-Down List Properties, select Add.
- Enter the choice in Display Name, then select OK.
- Repeat the process for every choice.
- Select OK when the list is complete.
Choose a Combo Box Content Control instead if users should be able to type an answer that is not in the list.
If the list will not open when clicked, check its properties. Selecting Contents cannot be edited prevents users from choosing an item. That setting is different from protecting the overall form.
Add a date picker or checkbox
Date field
- Place the cursor where the date belongs.
- Select Developer > Date Picker Content Control.
- Select the control, then select Developer > Properties if you want to change the date display format.
Checkbox
- Place the cursor beside the question or option.
- Select Developer > Check Box Content Control.
- Add a label next to it, such as Yes, No, or Send me a copy.
Change a field’s properties
Content controls can be configured individually. Select the control container, then select Developer > Properties. The available settings depend on the control type.
Depending on the control, you may be able to set a title, tag, list choices, date format, or locking behavior. Two locking options are particularly important:
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- Content control cannot be deleted: Users can change the value but cannot remove the control.
- Contents cannot be edited: Users cannot change the value, although the control itself may still be deleted unless the document is otherwise protected.
To change instructional text such as “Click or tap here to enter text,” select Developer > Design Mode, select the content control, and edit its placeholder text. Turn Design Mode off before saving. Design Mode is not required for ordinary field insertion.
Protect the form
Protection is optional. Users can fill content controls without protecting the document. Protection is useful when you want to stop someone from accidentally changing labels, headings, formatting, or the form’s layout.
- Select Developer > Restrict Editing.
- Choose the editing or formatting restrictions required in the Restrict Editing pane.
- Select Yes, Start Enforcing Protection.
- Set a password if Word offers that option and the form needs password-based protection.
To protect only part of a document, divide it into sections first. Open Developer > Restrict Editing, then use Select Sections in the pane to choose which sections are protected.
Remove a fillable field
Right-click the modern content control and select Remove content control. Word removes the control but keeps its current contents. This is useful when you want to turn a completed response into ordinary document text.
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The Developer tab is missing
Enable it through File > Options > Customize Ribbon on Windows or Word > Preferences > Ribbon and Toolbar on Mac. If the tab was visible previously, it may have been disabled in the ribbon settings.
The content-control buttons are unavailable
The document may be in an older Word format. Select File > Info > Convert, select OK, and save the converted document or template. Then check the Developer tab again.
Properties opens the wrong dialog
Select the shaded content-control container, not just the insertion cursor or the text inside it. This matters especially for combo boxes and drop-down lists.
The control can be edited, but the layout changes
Use a plain-text control for short answers, restrict the document after testing it, and avoid allowing long responses in a field intended for one line. For explanations, use a rich-text control in a deliberately larger area.
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The boxes disappear when printed
That is normal. The visual shading or box around a content control does not print. Add printed lines, labels, or table borders if paper users need to see where to write.
Modern controls versus legacy form fields
Current Word versions support modern content controls for text, pictures, dates, checkboxes, combo boxes, and drop-down lists. These are the right starting point for a new form.
Older Word-style fields remain under Developer > Legacy Forms. That menu also includes ActiveX controls. Use them mainly when an existing form, template, macro, or older Word workflow specifically requires compatibility. You do not need legacy fields to create a normal fillable Word form.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Can I create a fillable Word form in Word for the web?
No. Word for the web can display a document containing form controls, but creating fillable forms is not available there. Create the controls in desktop Word, then open the document in Word for the web if necessary.
What is the easiest fillable field to add in Word?
Place the cursor where the answer belongs and select Developer > Plain Text Content Control. It is suitable for short, unformatted responses such as names, IDs, and phone numbers.
Should I use a text box or a content control?
Use a content control. Insert > Text Box creates a layout object, not the current Word form-entry control. Use Plain Text Content Control or Rich Text Content Control for fillable text.
What is the difference between a combo box and a drop-down list?
A drop-down list limits users to the choices you provide. A combo box provides choices but also lets users type a different value.
Do I have to protect a Word form before people can fill it out?
No. Content controls work without document protection. Use Developer > Restrict Editing when you need to prevent changes to the form’s labels, layout, or formatting.
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Select the drop-down control, open Developer > Properties, and check that Contents cannot be edited has not been selected. That setting prevents users from interacting with the list.
Will Word print the boxes around fillable fields?
No. The visual boxes or shading around content controls do not print. Add borders or printed lines if the paper version needs visible answer areas.
The Bottom Line
For a new fillable Word form, enable the Developer tab and use modern content controls. Choose Plain Text Content Control for a basic answer, Rich Text Content Control for longer formatted responses, and the relevant date, checkbox, combo-box, or drop-down control for structured data. Configure each control through Developer > Properties, test the form, and add protection only when you need to lock the surrounding document.
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