What can I use in W2007, replacing W2003's "{FORMTEXT}" fields?

[Elisabeth Baker]

I have dozens of MS Word 2003 files, each containing dozens of {FORMTEXT},
also {FORMCHECKBOX} and {FORMDROPDOWN}.

(a) What should I use in 2007 to replace these?

(b) To work with a colleague who has not upgraded to 2007, do you have any
advice for how I can handle these in my 2007 version? The files appear to
lose the data easily.

Thanks!

 

[Doug Robbins - Word MVP]

Form Fields as used in documents that are protected for forms are still
available in Word 2007.

Go to the Controls section of the Developer tab and click on the "Legacy
Tools" button - the fourth from the left on the second row and then use the
Legacy Forms controls which are in the top row of the dialog that appears.

If you do not see the Developer tab, click on the Office button and then on
Word Options and then check the box against "Show Developer tab in the
Ribbon" in the Popular section of the Word Options dialog.

You can also customize the Quick Access Toolbar by adding the individual
Form Field controls, which are available via the All Commands category when
you are in the Customize the Quick Access Toolbar dialog.

--
Hope this helps.

Please reply to the newsgroup unless you wish to avail yourself of my
services on a paid consulting basis.

Doug Robbins - Word MVP

 

[Elisabeth Baker]

Thanks a million -- that helps.

Legacy Tools, though -- that suggests to me that FORMTEXT and other related
fields are on their way out. What direction should I take my colleagues so
we stay up with the game?

Using archaic technology doesn't seem like a best practice... or?

Thanks again!
EB

 

[Jay Freedman]

Thanks a million -- that helps.

Legacy Tools, though -- that suggests to me that FORMTEXT and other related
fields are on their way out. What direction should I take my colleagues so
we stay up with the game?

Using archaic technology doesn't seem like a best practice... or?

Thanks again!
EB

Microsoft would like to replace form fields with content controls such as the
Rich Text, Plain Text, and Date Picker (that is, everything in the Controls
group of the Developer ribbon except the Legacy Controls button).

Because there are literally millions of documents in daily use that contain form
fields, though, those controls will be available more or less forever.

Besides, if you need to share your forms with people who don't have Word 2007,
you don't have any choice because they can't use content controls. I'd worry
less about "staying up with the game" and more about "what works".

 

[Elisabeth Baker]

Thanks so much!
Happy day!

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

Moreover, there is no check box content control, right?

 

[Jay Freedman]

Yes, that's right. If you need one, though, Greg Maxey has a page about how to
build a replacement: http://gregmaxey.mvps.org/Custom_CC_Checkboxes.htm

 

[Graham Mayor]

Greg also has a page about making the legacy tools even more accessible
http://gregmaxey.mvps.org/Classic Form Controls.htm

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Graham Mayor - Word MVP


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