How to Make Word Documents Fillable Only
If you’re working with contracts or forms regularly, it can be frustrating when users modify parts of the document they shouldn’t. Fortunately, Microsoft Word offers tools to protect the content of your document while allowing users to fill in specific fields.
Creating a Fillable Document Without Editable Content
For example, suppose you need to send a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to a new employee. You want them to fill in certain details but prevent any changes to the document’s existing content. This can be achieved easily with Word. Here’s how:
- Prepare the Document
Start by opening the document you want to use, such as an NDA. Microsoft Word offers some templates, but you can also find free legal templates online. - Enable the Developer Tab
Word’s “Developer” tab is not visible by default. To enable it, click “File,” then select “Options.” In the “Customize Ribbon” section, check the “Developer” box and click “OK.” The Developer tab will now appear in the ribbon. - Insert Form Controls
In the “Developer” tab, you’ll find the “Controls” group with various content options such as text boxes, date pickers, checkboxes, and more. To insert a date picker in the signature section of the NDA, place your cursor where you want the date to appear. Click the “Date Picker Content Control” button, and select a date from the calendar that appears.For the signature line, remove the lines next to “By:” and insert a “Rich Text Content Control.” This creates a fillable field where users can input their printed name. - Restrict Editing
To ensure the document cannot be edited beyond the fillable fields, select all text (Ctrl+A), then go to the “Developer” tab and click “Restrict Editing” in the “Protect” group. In the pane that appears, choose “Filling in forms” under “Editing Restrictions.” Finally, click “Yes, Start Enforcing Protection.”You can also set a password for added protection. If you choose not to set a password, just click “Cancel.”
Now, you have a fillable form where users can enter data but cannot alter the document’s content. This feature is ideal for contracts and forms that need to be filled in without compromising their integrity.