How to create a form with drop-down lists in Word
Aug 01, 2025 am 05:36 AMEnable the Developer tab via File > Options > Customize Ribbon by checking the Developer box. 2. Insert a Drop-Down List Content Control from the Controls group on the Developer tab. 3. Customize the list by clicking Properties, then Add each item (e.g., "Approved", "Pending"), and set a default if desired. 4. Protect the form by selecting Restrict Editing, choosing Filling in forms, and optionally setting a password. Add labels and multiple drop-downs as needed, align using tables, and save as a .dotx template for reuse.
Creating a form with drop-down lists in Microsoft Word is useful for making templates where users can select options from a list—like status updates, departments, or priority levels. Here's how to do it step by step.

1. Enable the Developer Tab
Before you can insert drop-down lists, you need access to the Developer tab, which isn’t visible by default.
- Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon.
- In the right panel (Main Tabs), check the box next to Developer.
- Click OK.
Now you’ll see the Developer tab on the ribbon.

2. Insert a Drop-Down List Content Control
Once the Developer tab is enabled:
- Place your cursor where you want the drop-down list.
- Go to the Developer tab.
- In the Controls group, click the Drop-Down List Content Control icon (it looks like a combo box).
- A blank drop-down control will appear in your document.
3. Customize the Drop-Down List Items
Now you need to add the options users can choose from.

- With the drop-down control selected, click Properties in the Controls group (you may need to click the small arrow in the bottom-right corner of the group to see it).
- In the Content Control Properties dialog, click Add under the Drop-Down List Items section.
- Type the first item (e.g., "Approved").
- Click Add again for each additional option (e.g., "Pending", "Rejected", "In Review").
- You can reorder items using Move Up or Move Down.
- When done, click OK.
? Tip: You can also set a default value that appears when the form opens by selecting it in the list and checking “Show this item in the content control by default.”
4. Protect the Form (Optional but Recommended)
To prevent users from editing anything except the drop-downs:
- Go to Developer > Protect Document (or Restrict Editing).
- Choose Allow only this type of editing in the document, then select Filling in forms.
- Click Yes, Start Enforcing Protection.
- Optionally set a password (recommended if sharing securely).
Now users can only interact with the form fields.
Bonus: Add Multiple Drop-Downs and Labels
- Label each drop-down clearly (e.g., “Status:”) before the control.
- Repeat the steps above to add more drop-downs for different fields (e.g., Priority, Department).
- Use tables or layout tools to align controls neatly.
That’s it. You now have a functional Word form with customizable drop-down lists. It works in both Word for Microsoft 365 and older versions like Word 2016/2019. Just remember to save it as a Word Template (.dotx) if you plan to reuse it.
Basically, once you know where the tools are, it’s straightforward—just don’t forget to enable the Developer tab first.
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