Whats the best Office product to use to build a form?

Just to be sure though, this is not a survey, poll or quiz.  This if for prospect client information as in an in-take form  Data will include basic contact information, family information, various questions on needs which may be fill box short answer, check box or drop down box.  

It seems like Word will do it as a template.  I will place on a website as a link to the form or the form itself as well as a PDF of it.  This way the prospect can fill in the form or print it and handwrite responses.  

What is the primary desired final form of the document, will they be printing it out, or using it online (viewing on a tablet)?  Do you really need a PDF version of the blank? The could just as easilty print a blank from Word as from a PDF viewer ...

A Word template is probably the best for. But don't let them tie you down to exactly recreate the original paper form(s). Especially if they are going to be filling the forms with a computer, then allow for "overflow", where there is a longer than usual input "pushes" the page down.

Even for this sort of data collection and Excel "survey" could be usable. It would guide the collection of information. Then the information could be displayed in a more formatted  But it is not as easily adaptable to the way people tend to jump around when providing information. A Word document is easier for the person entering data to jump around on.

Yes I would like a PDF version.  People are more accustom to using a PDF to fill in and not a Word doc\template.  I believe I can still create the doc as suggested in Word.

Clients are generally not technical.  Some know how to fill in a form on-line.  Others need to print it.  Think a medical office, financial advisor, or attorney office.  These are the type of clients I deal with.  Young people can text but can't fill in a form.  Older people can use the Internet but also lack the computer skills to fill in a form. Its a little frustrating sometimes. The ability to print a form is necessary.  My preferred method of receiving the data is via the on-line form filled in and via email.  I can then import it into my CRM (Salesforce).  

 Thanks again.

Dennis

You can setup a template in Word. Using a table will provide outlines like "paper forms". A table is good for simple data entry. You create one cell for the text label and another for the actual data input.   If you are planning on normally printing it, you can setup a repeating header to keep the pages together. The nice part about using Word is that the table can automatically span pages, unlike paper forms.  If you need to make a "permanent" copy, you can save or print to PDF.

The trick is to create a true template, DOTX, then use the proper method, File / New, to create new documents using the template. Don't use the common (but "improper") method of saving the "template" as a DOCX then using SAVE AS. It is too easy to accidentally save text in the "template".

How much "automation" do you want in the form?  Are you mainly recreating a current paper form that is filled in with pen?  Do you want to save the information in a database? What?

Another option is Excel Online Forms. That is a question/answer type form, that will save the data into an excel spreadsheet you can use to later retrieve the data from. I don't think this is what you are looking for, but maybe you can make it work for you.  See the tips (much) farther down

'

Here are several articles about using Word to create forms with various types of automation (that you probably won't need).

@ How to REALLY use Microsoft Office - Creating Forms in Word (video 14:08)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pv60ZIAJa54&list=PL0M0zPgJ3HSeTcj_bH9ulOyAGixWV8lQB&index=4&t=0s

@Create Forms with Repeating Data- these 4 next articles are commonly quoted when answering this question:

Create & Employ a Userformhttp://gregmaxey.mvps.org/word\_tip\_pages/create\_employ\_userform.html

this Help page will show you how to create and employ a Userform from a document template.

Populate Userform Listbox or Comboboxhttp://gregmaxey.mvps.org/word\_tip\_pages/populate\_userForm\_listbox\_or\_combobox.html

This page demonstrates several methods that you can use to populate a userform listbox (or combobox).

Repeating Data Using Document Property Content Controls and Other Mapped Content Controlshttp://addbalance.com/word/MappedControls.htm

This page is about how to repeat data in a document using mapped content controls. It is not comprehensive. I wrote it because I frequently answer questions on how to type information in one location in a document and have it show up in other places as well.  There are at least two ways to repeat information in a document using Content Controls. The easiest is to use the Document Property Content Controls. This works for up to 15 separate items of text. The second is with Mapped Content Controls.

Repeating Data (or populating multiple like fieldshttp://gregmaxey.mvps.org/word\_tip\_pages/repeating\_data.html

This page offers several solutions to the question, "How do I enter data in one place in a document and have it automatically repeated in other places?"

10 steps to creating a calculating Word formhttp://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/10things/?p=1253&tag=nl.e056

10 steps to creating a Word input form

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/10things/10-steps-to-creating-a-word-input-form/3262?tag=nl.e059

10 steps to transferring Word form data to an Excel sheethttp://www.techrepublic.com/blog/10things/10-steps-to-transferring-word-form-data-to-an-excel-sheet/3484

**5 Curiosities about Placeholders in Word Content Controls** Created 1 July 2011     Shauna Kelly

Content Controls are an excellent way to provide 'prompt' text for users. The 'prompt' text (eg "Click here and type the manager's name" or "Choose the date of your report") is provided through a placeholder.

This article discusses some of the oddities about these placeholders in the Word object model.

Add Classic Form Controls to Ribbon Developer Tabhttp://gregmaxey.mvps.org/word\_tip\_pages/add\_classic\_form\_controls.html

**Auto-incrementing Form Fields**

http://word.tips.net/T001329\_Autoincrementing\_Form\_Fields.html

Templates are a great way to create new documents because they act as intricate patterns to what those new documents should contain. What if you want the new documents to include some sort of automatically incrementing number? This tip looks at ways you can accomplish the task.

Automate Microsoft Word Forms with Custom FieldsFebruary 11, 2019

https://www.groovypost.com/howto/automate-microsoft-word-forms-with-custom-fields/

Whether you’re a student or an office worker, almost everyone has the need to use documents every now and then. Some jobs even require that you produce the same letters, forms, or some other document on a regular schedule. Using custom fields in your documents can save a lot of time. Here is a look at what they are and how to use them.

**Calculating Form Fields**

http://wordribbon.tips.net/T008517\_Calculating\_Form\_Fields.html

Form fields allow you to create (you guessed it) forms. Here is a description of how you can force Word to calculate the contents of a form field while the form is being used.

**********Excel Survey Forms*************************

@ Contextures Tips using Parts Database example

Excel Ribbon - Getting Startedhttps://www.contextures.com/excelribbongettingstarted.html

See how a custom tab is added to the Excel Ribbon, and set up macros to run when a Ribbon button is clicked. Requires Excel 2007 or later version.

This example is based on the parts database workbook, in which you enter data in a UserForm with drop down lists. The data is stored on a hidden sheet, and a pivot table summarizes the data in an Inventory report. You can learn how to set up the worksheets and the UserForm on this page: UserForm With ComboBoxes  https://www.contextures.com/xlUserForm02.html

Parts Database

simple example of creating a UserForm for data entry, with the database on a hidden worksheet. View instructions (http://www.contextures.com/xlUserForm01.html) .  PartLocDB.zip (http://www.contextures.com/PartLocDB.zip )14 kb

Parts Database with Comboboxes – 23-Jan-2006

UserForm with comboboxes for data entry, with database on a hidden worksheet. Pivot table summarizes the inventory PartLocDBCombo.zip (http://www.contextures.com/PartLocDBCombo.zip )21 kb  06-Mar-05   View instructions (http://www.contextures.com/xlUserForm02.html )

Parts Database With Dependent Combo Boxes – 06-Mar-2013

UserForm with comboboxes for data entry, with database on a hidden worksheet. Part combo box depends on selection made in Part Category combo box. Pivot table summarizes the inventory PartLocDBComboRibbonDepend.zip (http://www.contextures.com/vbasamples/PartLocDBComboRibbonDepend.zip ) 48 kb

Parts Database with Updateable Comboboxes – 07-May-2012

UserForm with comboboxes for data entry, with database on a hidden worksheet. Add new parts to worksheet list, while entering data in the UserForm. Pivot table summarizes the inventory. Excel 2010/2007: PartLocDBComboAdd.zip (http://www.contextures.com/ExcelTemplates/PartLocDBComboAdd.zip )43 kb   Excel 2003: PartLocDBComboAdd2003.zip 33 kb  08-May-12   UserForm instructions (http://www.contextures.com/xlUserForm02.html )

Excel Data Entry and Update Formhttps://www.contextures.com/exceldataentryupdateform.html

With this Excel data entry form, you can enter or update records on the data entry worksheet (named Input).  With this Excel data entry form, you can enter or update records on the data entry worksheet (named Input). The form's features help you enter your data quickly and accurately

Employee Satisfaction Surveys using MS Excel               Feb 4, 2009

https://chandoo.org/wp/2009/02/04/satisfaction-surveys-excel/

Today we will learn how to make an employee satisfaction survey and consolidate the data using excel.

Form Data Entry (table)-  Create a Data Entry Form in Excelhttps://www.myexcelonline.com/blog/create-data-entry-form-excel/

Whenever I wanted to input data for my Tables in Excel, I would have a long time inputting the records one by one.  I discovered a handy trick in Excel that can turn my Table into a handy Data Entry Form!

Say goodbye to inputting data into this Table row by row by row by row….

I will show you how easy it is to create a Data Entry Form in Excel with the following steps below...

(SCROLL DOWN TO SEE OUR YOUTUBE VIDEO ON HOW TO CREATE A DATA ENTRY FORM IN EXCEL):!

Form Data Entry (table)- Create a Data Entry Form in Excel      2019 04 16

https://www.groovypost.com/howto/create-a-data-entry-form-in-excel/

Excel provides a pre-made form you can use to quickly enter data in seconds rather than minutes. Here's how to create a data entry form in Excel and increase your spreadsheet productivity by adding buttons to QAT. Forms are limited to max 32 Fields

.  *  Preparing to Create a Data Entry Form in Excel

.  *  Adding the Data Entry Form in the Quick Access Toolbar

.  *  Create a Data Entry Form in Excel

.  *  Adding and Deleting Records

.  *  Searching Records

.  *  Using Excel Data Entry Forms

Create a Data Entry Form in a Very Easy Way 6min42Oct 16, 2016

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xitBuQinWcA

Add a new tab to Ribbon

Forms online- Create a form with Microsoft Formshttps://support.office.com/en-us/article/Create-a-form-with-Microsoft-Forms-4ffb64cc-7d5d-402f-b82e-b1d49418fd9d

With Microsoft Forms, you can create surveys, quizzes, and polls, and easily see results as they come in. The article covers using forms in the “Forms Online” applet, OneDrive for Business, Excel Online and OneNote Online.

At bottom of the page there is a link to a free 1 hour online course

Forms Online- Create a Free Survey and Collect Data with Excel  April 13, 2016          Wil Conway        4 minutes

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/create-free-survey-collect-data-excel/

Are you tired of having to manually collect and consolidate data, from various people, into your Excel spreadsheet? If so, chances are you have yet to discover Excel Survey.

Microsoft introduced Excel Survey a few years ago along with Office Online. However, you may not have noticed it if you haven’t ventured outside of the desktop version of Office. The survey feature is only available in the online version, which makes sense considering you will need your survey to be available to users via the Internet.

Forms online- Forms for Excel, new experience for Excel survey in Office 3652017 09 22https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/Microsoft-Forms-Blog/Forms-for-Excel-new-experience-for-Excel-survey-in-Office-365/ba-p/109195

Forms for Excel, powered by Microsoft Forms, has replaced Excel Survey. Forms comes with a modern experience to make it simple and easy to collect information from users in the same organization, to anyone in the world. Forms for Excel includes new features such as response time, responder name, images, videos, themes, and branching logic.

Forms Online- Getting Microsoft Forms results into Excel Desktophttps://office-watch.com/2019/getting-microsoft-forms-results-into-excel/****Microsoft Forms can export survey/quiz results to an Excel workbook, here’s how to do that easy and efficiently. The current method of getting Microsoft Forms results into Excel isn’t very elegant. Surprisingly, it doesn’t make use of Excel’s excellent data import and update features. At the moment, you have to download an Excel worksheet with the Form results to date.  There’s no option to get the results as an updatable data feed into Excel’s PowerQuery. Hopefully it’s on the developers ‘To Do’ list. Until Forms integration with Excel improves, here’s the best way to do it.

Forms online- Introducing Forms for Excel     2017 09 22

https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/Microsoft-Forms-Blog/Forms-for-Excel-new-experience-for-Excel-survey-in-Office-365/ba-p/109195

Forms for Excel, commercial customers, powered by Microsoft Forms, has replaced Excel Survey. This update, available for Office 365 Commercial and Education customers, comes with a modern experience to make it simple and easy to collect information from users in the same organization, to anyone in the world. Forms for Excel includes new features such as response time, responder name, images, videos, themes, and branching logic.

Analysis- Analyze Survey Data in Excel [+Video]https://www.genroe.com/blog/analyze-survey-data-in-excel/11483****While there are many advanced statistical packages out there you don’t need them to perform a detailed and comprehensive analysis of your survey data.

You can use the same techniques and approaches in Excel and in this post, I’ll take you through how to analyze survey data in Excel.

Just to be sure though, this is not a survey, poll or quiz.  This if for prospect client information as in an in-take form  Data will include basic contact information, family information, various questions on needs which may be fill box short answer, check box or drop down box.  

It seems like Word will do it as a template.  I will place on a website as a link to the form or the form itself as well as a PDF of it.  This way the prospect can fill in the form or print it and handwrite responses.  

What is the primary desired final form of the document, will they be printing it out, or using it online (viewing on a tablet)?  Do you really need a PDF version of the blank? The could just as easilty print a blank from Word as from a PDF viewer ...

A Word template is probably the best for. But don't let them tie you down to exactly recreate the original paper form(s). Especially if they are going to be filling the forms with a computer, then allow for "overflow", where there is a longer than usual input "pushes" the page down.

Even for this sort of data collection and Excel "survey" could be usable. It would guide the collection of information. Then the information could be displayed in a more formatted  But it is not as easily adaptable to the way people tend to jump around when providing information. A Word document is easier for the person entering data to jump around on.

Thank you for the quick response.  There is a lot of info here and it will take me a bit to digest and review the links.  

Just to be sure though, this is not a survey, poll or quiz.  This if for prospect client information as in an in-take form  Data will include basic contact information, family information, various questions on needs which may be fill box short answer, check box or drop down box.  

It seems like Word will do it as a template.  I will place on a website as a link to the form or the form itself as well as a PDF of it.  This way the prospect can fill in the form or print it and handwrite responses.  

I was aware of the use of Word.  Just want to check if other Office tools or MS Products would be easier and better to use.  

Thanks again.  

Dennis