Simple Problem using MS Word Form Developer Tab - Design button

Question

I have used old MS Office programs that had a Form tool bar with no problem.  in this newer MS Office, it is far more difficult.  I follow the directions given in the help window.  In Step 3 - Add Content to the Form.  I type in the item that will be the same in the form template, e.g.  Site Name:

Then click on Design tab, then the Rich Text button, then re-click Design button to go out of that mode (this used to protect the template). 

Here is the problem - UNLIKE IN THE OLDEN TIMES - if I am in form fill-in mode - if I happen to have my cursor near "Site Name:" I can destroy it or otherwise unintentionally modify it.  In the old versions, I could simply hit the tab to move to the next entry say Site Location:  

without messing any thing up. 

This problem is probably so basic that it will produce some laughs but I do not care.

Answer 1

In addition to Doug's explanation, you should be aware that turning the Design Mode button on or off has no relationship at all to whether the form is protected.

If you're using legacy form fields, then you must click the Restrict Editing button, check the box in the "Editing restrictions" area and select "Filling in forms", and click the "Yes, Start Enforcing Protection" button.

An alternative to this sequence is to go to File > Options > Quick Access Toolbar and add the Lock button (from the All Commands group) to the toolbar. That button toggles form protection on and off.

If you're using content controls, you should not go to the Restrict Editing pane or use the Lock button. Instead, select the entire form, click the Group button on the Developer tab, and click Group in the menu.

One other hint: You can use the Tab key to jump from one content control to the next, except that you cannot tab out of a Rich Text content control -- it just inserts a tab character.

Answer 2

It sounds like you are mixing up the use of Content Controls, which do not require that the document be Protected for Filling in Forms, with that form of protection, which is intended for use with Legacy FormFields.

While it is probably better to move to the use of Content Controls, you can still use Legacy FormFields in later versions of Word

To learn about the use of Content Controls, see the following and other pages on Greg Maxey's website:

https://gregmaxey.com/word\_tip\_pages/content\_controls.html

Answer 3

You helped me immensely.  Thanks so much. I am most grateful!

Answer 4

Helped a lot. Thanks much!