How to Create a Check Box in a Word Document

Microsoft Word allows you to make professional-looking documents, and it includes features so that you can make interactive forms for use on a computer system or network. One thing you can add to these form is a check box. Check boxes are helpful for Word documents in which you need to collect "yes or no" data. When a user clicks on one of these check boxes, an "X" appears; another click and it disappears.

Instructions

1. Word 2003

   • 1
     Place your cursor in the Word document where you want to create a check box.
     
   • 2
     Click the "View" menu, select "Toolbars" and choose "Forms." The Forms toolbar, which is a floating toolbar, will appear on the document.
     
   • 3
     Click the "Check Box" control button, which is a small square with a check mark inside it. A check box will appear on the Word document.
     
   • 4
     Double-click the check box to open the Properties dialog box. Make changes, such as selecting a different symbol to use when the box is selected. Click "OK" to save the changes.
     
   • 5
     Save your Word document before closing it.
     

   Word 2007

   • 6
     Turn on the "Developer" tab of the ribbon if it is not already visible. Click the "Office Button" and select "Word Options." Select the "Popular" tab in the left pane. Select "Show the Developer Tab in the Ribbon" and click "OK."
     
   • 7
     Place your cursor in the Word document where you want to create a check box.
     
   • 8
     Click "Legacy Tools" in the Controls group of the Developer tab.
     
   • 9
     Select "Check Box Form Field." A check box will appear on the Word document.
     
   • 10
     Select the check box and click "Properties" in the Controls group on the Developer tab. Make changes, such as selecting a different symbol to use when the box is selected. Click "OK" to save the changes. Save the document.
     

   Word 2010

   • 11
     Turn on the "Developer" tab of the ribbon if it is not already visible. Click the "File" tab and select "Options." Select "Customize Ribbon" on the left pane. Select the "Developer" check box under Customize the Ribbon and click "OK."
     
   • 12
     Place your cursor in the Word document where you want to create a check box.
     
   • 13
     Click on the "Check Box Content Control" button in the Controls group of the Developer tab. A check box will appear on the Word document.
     
   • 14
     Select the check box and click "Properties" in the Controls group on the Developer tab. Make changes, such as selecting a different symbol to use when the box is selected. Click "OK" to save the changes.
     
   • 15
     Save the Word document.