How to Create Digital Forms in Word

How to Create Digital Forms in Microsoft Word (and When to Use Online Alternatives)

Microsoft Word isn’t just for documents, you can also use it to build basic digital forms . If you want to create a fillable form for applications, checklists, surveys, or contracts, Word gives you the tools to do it offline.

In this post, we’ll walk you through creating a digital form in Word, plus introduce you to Formswrite.com if you need a faster, easier online option.

Step-by-Step: Creating a Digital Form in Word

1. Open Microsoft Word and Start a New Document Use a blank document or choose a form-related template (e.g., “Application Form”).

2. Enable the Developer Tab By default, Word hides its form-building tools.

1. Go to File → Options → Customize Ribbon

2. Check the box next to “Developer” in the right-hand panel

3. Click OK

3. Insert Form Controls In the Developer tab, you’ll find several form elements under “Controls”:

1. Rich Text / Plain Text : Add fields where users can type answers

2. Check Boxes : For yes/no or multi-option questions

3. Drop-Down Lists : Add selectable options

4. Date Pickers : Let users choose a date from a calendar

4. Protect the Form (Optional) To prevent accidental edits:

1. Go to Developer → Restrict Editing

2. Check “Allow only this type of editing” and choose “Filling in forms”

3. Click Yes, Start Enforcing Protection

5. Save and Share Save the form as a.docxor export it as a fillable PDF . Then email or upload it for users to complete digitally.

When to Use Online Alternatives Like Formswrite

If you don’t have access to Word, need mobile-friendly forms, or want to gather results in real-time, online tools like Formswrite.com are far more efficient.

On Formswrite, you can:

1. Create forms in minutes

2. Add logic, uploads, and custom branding

3. Share links instantly

4. Collect responses in your dashboard

FAQs

Can users fill out Word forms on mobile? It’s possible, but the experience can be clunky. Web-based tools like Formswrite are more responsive.

Can I collect file uploads with Word forms? Not directly. You’d need to pair your form with email or other tools.

Does Formswrite require a Microsoft account? No. Formswrite is browser-based and works independently of Microsoft.