Form Fields in Word 2007

[ShoegalSC]

I am attempting to help train a colleague on how to create a form using Word
2007. We have enabled the "Show Developer Tab in the Ribbon" toggle,
however, when we get into the Developer Toolbar and click "Design Mode" we do
not have access to "Rich Text", "Text", "Drop Down List", etc. They are all
greyed out. I do not have this problem on my computer, and wondering what
changes I need to make to her settings, for her to have access to these
tools. Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Stefan Blom]

Note that the new content controls requires saving in Word 2007 format.

If you click the Legacy Tools button you can still insert the form fields of
previous versions.

 

[Beth Melton]

I am attempting to help train a colleague on how to create a form using
Word
2007. We have enabled the "Show Developer Tab in the Ribbon" toggle,
however, when we get into the Developer Toolbar and click "Design Mode" we
do
not have access to "Rich Text", "Text", "Drop Down List", etc. They are
all
greyed out. I do not have this problem on my computer, and wondering what
changes I need to make to her settings, for her to have access to these
tools. Thanks in advance for your help!

As Stephan noted, the new Content Controls (the Rich Text, Text, Drop Down
list, etc) are only available when using the new file format and are
disabled when you are working in Compatibility Mode. If you are creating a
form that you intend to share with others who are using Word 2007 then you
need to convert the document to the new file format by clicking the Office
Button and then clicking Convert.

If the form will be used by those who are not using Word 2007 then also as
Stephan noted, you need to use the Legacy form fields also found in the
Controls group on the Developer tab.

Now, if your colleague is encountering Compatibility Mode whenever they
create a new document then it sounds like they have a setting in the
Registry that forces Compatibility Mode. If that's the case then in the
Registry at:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\12.0\Word\Options

Locate the CompatMode key and make sure the value is a 0 (zero) and not a
one (1).

--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Beth Melton
Microsoft Office MVP
https://mvp.support.microsoft.com/profile/Melton
What is a Microsoft MVP? http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/gp/mvpfaqs

Guides for the Office 2007 Interface:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/HA102295841033.aspx