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Enable Checkboxes in Word 365 on Mac WITH Text Editing capability

Anonymous
2024-02-15T20:49:14+00:00

I am creating a legal checklist. I know how to add the necessary fields for merging (a different part of the form); my problem is this:

When I "protect" the form, then test it, the boxes work fine, the mail merge works fine, but the users of this form will need to add text and all the text is locked down. I need what Excel has in terms of "lock/unlock" certain areas of text so the users can still type in what they need as part of the firm.

My screenshot won't upload for some reason, it's on 43Kb - the Mac version does not have the Selection Arrow on the Protect Form button for more options and there is nothing in any of the other menus that gives me what I want - unless I am missing it.

Are there any options to enable what I need without messing up the checkboxes?

Thanks,

-Monica

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | MacOS

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  1. Bob Jones AKA CyberTaz MVP 434.8K Reputation points
    2024-02-17T14:00:23+00:00

    If you want to keep it simple avoid Section Breaks, hidden ¶, etc 🙂 Those are the types of things which make the document more complex.

    IMO, Text Box Form Fields are the better option. For repeating content [such as docket number] use a REF field which reads from the specified Text Box thus avoiding duplicate entry by the user & avoids typos.

    The entire document would be Protected but only the appropriate controls would be editable. In this example, the first 9s are in a Text Box set to Calculate on Exit, 15 characters maximum & Enter Docket Number as Default Text. Underline is applied to the field.The 2nd set of 9s is a REF field automatically filled in based on entry in the Text Box:

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  1. Jim G 134K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2024-02-22T21:38:59+00:00

    @ Charles,

    Current updates to Word call the non-content controls "Legacy controls."

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  1. Bob Jones AKA CyberTaz MVP 434.8K Reputation points
    2024-02-20T19:43:40+00:00

    It isn't the documentation as much as it is the loose-lipped replies of those who either don't know better or simply do not care. The Mac UI is clear:

    The reply from Stacey is just another example of Windows-based assumptions being indiscriminately thrown at Mac users. Many folks here as well as anywhere else seem to have taken literally "A rose by any other name..." IMO It's no wonder that there is so much misunderstanding.

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  2. Anonymous
    2024-02-16T12:57:11+00:00

    I know how to enable the checkboxes, thanks.

    Issues will still arise as the need to enter text data in the same line/paragraphs the checkboxes are in. But what you describe is interesting.

    Actual lines from the form:

    • Authenticated copy of death certificate has been deposited with the Clerk of Courts – Fla. Prob. R. 5.171, Dk. No. DocketNumb

    Petition for Summary Administration:

    • Petition for Summary Administration - Fla. Prob. R. 5.530, Dk. No.DocketNumb, contains the following:
      • Petitioner/Petitioner(s)’ name(s) and address(es)/attorney name and address; name and LKA of Decedent, last 4 digits of SSN, and date and place of death/state and county of domicile

    The bullets stand in for the checkboxes and the red text is an underline on the original form where the users need to manually type something in. The text entry is not required in every line, and it is not consistently in the same location when it is needed.

    I think I will test the section breaks idea combined with hidden paragraph marks so that technically they are separate paragraphs but they wrap and LOOK like one smooth line of text. I could just add text fields. I was trying to keep it as simple as possible.

    Thank you,

    -Monica

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  3. Anonymous
    2024-02-16T03:05:50+00:00

    Dear Monica,

    To enable checkboxes in Word 365 on Mac with text editing capability, you can try follow these steps to see the outcome

    1. Insert the checkboxes by going to the Developer tab, clicking on the Checkbox Content Control button, and selecting the checkbox option.
    2. Once you have inserted the checkboxes, you can protect the form by going to the Developer tab, clicking on the Protect Form button, and selecting the option to allow only filling in forms.
    3. To allow users to edit the text in certain areas, you can add sections to your document and protect only certain sections. To do this, go to the Layout tab, click on Breaks, and select the type of section break you want to add.
    4. Once you have added the section breaks, go to the Developer tab, click on the Protect Form button, and select the option to allow editing in certain sections.

    Regards,

    Stacey

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