How do I easily add a multiple line textbox to a MS word form? See the problems I am having.

Question

I have a question for you. I am also trying to make a form using MS Word.

The issue I am having is that I want to have a multiline text box for my customers to add additional information to the form. There are 4 different spots for this in my form. 

When I use the legacy "text form field". The grey shaded area disappears after someone types in it. Also, I would like the customer to be able to add multiple lines of information if necessary. However, when I test it. It will limit the text characters on the first line (as I wanted ) and then when it goes to the text line, it just continues without any limitations. I want to limit how much text a customer can enter as a whole so as they don't mess up the format of my form.

I also tried another option, the "Text Box ActiveX" It looks pretty when I create the box. I shaped it the size I needed. (See picture) But it only types text on the first line and I don't know how to limit the text on one line and then make it go to the next by hitting return. Standard keyboarding use doesn't seem to apply on this text box. 

If you can help me with this, I may have one more question. But this is the one real frustrating part right now. Please help. 

Answer 1

Use a single cell table with fixed cell dimensions.

Answer 2

Hey Doug,

Thanks for that tip. Now that I am finished, I have a new problem. I need this doc / form to be useable in MS Word for Macs as well. When I sent it to a Mac user, I noticed that the drop down form field on the form wouldn't work. Is there a way to get that to functioning properly? Please help. I am really frustrated. 

Thanks again!