How to Insert Checkboxes in Microsoft Word

Great for creating surveys and checklists

Microsoft Word is a versatile application that you can use for more than essays and articles. Along with making a booklet andcreating a flyer, you set up your own form or checklist.

One thing that forms and checklists have in common is the checkbox. If you plan to create one of these items, we’ll show you how to insert a checkbox in Word on Windows, Mac, and the web.

Insert a Checkbox in Word on Windows

In Word on Windows, you can insert a checkbox and adjust its properties. This allows you to mark the checkbox digitally or print the document to mark one physically.

Before you can add the checkbox in Word, you’ll need to display the Developer tab which contains the checkbox form control.

Now that you have theDevelopertab visible, head over to it.

Once you add your checkbox, you can adjust its properties. This lets you lock the box so it can’t be edited and change the checkbox symbol.

If you want to use the checkboxes in Word on your desktop, simply click the checkbox to mark or unmark it.

Insert a Checkbox in Word on Mac

While inserting a checkbox in Word on Mac is similar to that on windows, there are a few differences for customizing and marking the checkbox.

You’ll still start the same way which is by enabling the Developer tab to add the form control.

To add the checkbox, place your cursor in the document where you want it.

Once you insert your checkbox, you can adjust a few of its properties although different than the options on Windows.

If you plan to use the checkboxes in Word on your Mac rather than printing, you have two ways to mark a checkbox.

Method one: Double-click the checkbox or select it and pickOptionsin the ribbon. ChooseCheckedunder Default Value and selectOK.

Method two: SelectProtect Formon theDevelopertab. Then, click a box to mark it as checked. When you finish, you can selectProtect Formagain to disable it.

Insert a Checkbox in Word on the Web

Microsoft Word on the web works a bit differently than its desktop counterparts. You won’t see a form control to add a checkbox. Instead, you can use the bullet list feature.

Because of this limitation, you are unable to digitally check the boxes that you insert. This makes Word for the web a more viable option for printed pieces so you can mark the checkboxes with a pen or pencil.

Now that you know how to insert checkboxes in Word, take a look at these useful tips and tricks for doing other things in Microsoft Word.

Sandy Writtenhouse is a freelance technology writer and former Project, Department, and Program Manager. She turned her education, job experience, and love of technology into a full-time writing career. With all sorts of gadgets in her home and her hands, she seeks to help others make life easier through technology.Read Sandy’s Full Bio

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How to Insert Checkboxes in Microsoft Word#

Insert a Checkbox in Word on Windows#

Insert a Checkbox in Word on Mac#

Insert a Checkbox in Word on the Web#

How to Insert Checkboxes in Microsoft Word

Insert a Checkbox in Word on Windows

Insert a Checkbox in Word on Mac

Insert a Checkbox in Word on the Web