How to Create Forms With Microsoft Word 2007

Configuring Forms
1. Open a new document in Microsoft Word 2007. Click the "Microsoft Office" button located on the top left-hand corner of the screen.
2. Click "Options," located on the bottom of the box. Check the box to "Show Developer tab" in the ribbon. Click "OK." When the dialog box closes, the tab appears at end of the main ribbon.
3. Click the "Microsoft Office" button on the top left-hand corner of the screen again, and then select "New." From the choices on the Templates listing, click "My Templates."
4. From the options, double-click the Normal template. Choose "Create New" from either Template or Document.
5. Select the "Microsoft Office Button," and then "Save As." Enter the form's name, and then click "Save."
Creating the Form’s Content
6. Use a sketch or existing form to guide the design of your form. Use the design choices available as options on the Developer Tab, in the Controls group when you click "Design Mode."
7. Click the area of the form to which you want to add a control. From the design options, select "Rich Text" or "Text" to add a text area into which the form's users can enter information. Use the options available to add an underline and enter the maximum number of characters for the field.
8. Select "Drop-Down List" to add a control that provides pre-populated choices for your form. Add a list of choices to display in the drop-down by selecting "Add" from the Drop-Down List Properties.
9. Click on the element’s icon. The element will appear on the form.
10. Add a check box by selecting "Legacy Tools," and then "Check Box Form Field." Press the space bar, and then enter the label.
11. Click "Save" to save the form template.
Preparing the Form for Use
12. Select "Protect Document" from the Developer tab in the Protect group.
13. Click "Restrict Formatting and Editing."
14. Check the "Allow only this type of editing in the document" on the Protect Document task pane, which resides under Editing Restrictions. Select "Filling in forms."
15. To begin enforcement of these restrictions when your form is complete, select "Yes, Start Enforcing Protection" from the Start Enforcement options.
16. Assign a password to control the form's design by typing a password in the "Enter new password (optional)" check box, and then re-typing the password to confirm it.