creating new form

[Jean]

I am trying to create a form that I use over and over.
This form consists of horizontal lines and vertical
lines. I would like to have this saved so that I can
type different information each time I open the form. I
do not know how to do this. Can anyone help? Does this
fall in the realm of a template and if so, how do I
create one to fit my needs?

Also, how can I put in vertical lines automatically?

I am a real beginner with this process (as you can
probably tell) and need some basic assistance. Is there
a guide for these kinds of issues?

Thanks.

 

[Jay]

I am trying to create a form that I use over and over.
This form consists of horizontal lines and vertical
lines. I would like to have this saved so that I can
type different information each time I open the form. I
do not know how to do this. Can anyone help? Does this
fall in the realm of a template and if so, how do I
create one to fit my needs?

Also, how can I put in vertical lines automatically?

There are two questions here:

1. How to compose the form.

2. How to save it so that somebody can type different information each time
the form is opened.

Taking them one at a time...


1. How to compose the form.

The simplest way I've found is to use a Word table. You can decide how many
rows and columns you need, use "Table >> Insert table," and re-size the
columns and rows as needed. You can change the appearance of each edge of
each cell -- making some invisible if you want -- so that it doesn't even
look like a rectangular array.

For simplicity, I'd suggest using tables if you can. If you have something
complex in mind that tables can't handle, Word has other features that can
be used, but it'd help to know what you have in mind.


2. How to save it so that somebody can type different information each time
the form is opened.

After composing the form, use "File >> Save as." In the "Document type"
list, choose "Document template."

Later, each time somebody opens a template and fills it in, Word will steer
them to "Save as" a new filled-in Word document. It won't let them "Save"
it over the template file (not easily, anyhow).

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

In addition to what Jay has said, you might want to learn more about
protected forms. See
http://word.mvps.org/FAQs/Customization/FillinTheBlanks.htm and especially
the forms tutorials by Dian Chapman that this article links to.

 

[Charles Kenyon]

What you are talking about is what Word calls an "online form." Check this
in help. 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,