Adding AutoTextList to a Template

[Kelly Sarhle]

I have tried to INSERT --> Field --> autotextlist and
also INSERT --> Autotext and I get my auto text list but
it is shaded out so no selection(s) can be made. Also,
when I turn the "field codes" off, this entry disappears -
- unlike the "textformat" command. So when I save the
template and open up as a document, the place where I have
the autotextlist inserted, when tabbed, it tabs right past
this place.

I am using Word 2000. Does anyone know what I am doing
wrong?

 

[Jay Freedman]

I have tried to INSERT --> Field --> autotextlist and
also INSERT --> Autotext and I get my auto text list but
it is shaded out so no selection(s) can be made. Also,
when I turn the "field codes" off, this entry disappears -
- unlike the "textformat" command. So when I save the
template and open up as a document, the place where I have
the autotextlist inserted, when tabbed, it tabs right past
this place.

I am using Word 2000. Does anyone know what I am doing
wrong?

Umm... lots.

From your mention of tabbing, I'll guess that you're trying to use the
AutoTextList in a protected form. To make this work you'll have to insert
continuous section breaks before and after the field, and use Tools >
Protect Document > Sections to protect all sections *except* the one
containing the AutoTextList. If you don't like the way this behaves
(including the fact that tabbing out of the preceding form field and tabbing
again inserts a tab character, instead of going to the next form field), use
a dropdown form field instead.

If you do want to use an AutoTextList in some other template that isn't a
protected form, read about how to do it properly:
http://word.mvps.org/FAQs/TblsFldsFms/AutoTextList.htm. Note that you can't
open an AutoTextList by tabbing to it; you have to right-click it.

 

[Charles Kenyon]

Following up on Jay's remarks, what you are talking about is what Word calls
an "online form." For more about online forms, follow the links at
http://addbalance.com/word/wordwebresources.htm#Forms or
http://word.mvps.org/FAQs/Customization/FillinTheBlanks.htm especially Dian
Chapman's series of articles.

Hope this helps,