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mostafa_elnazer's avatar
mostafa_elnazer
Occasional Reader
Oct 10, 2025

Complete Form for various data

I need to create a form to be filled by users; the form should contain areas to add text and other areas to add photos, with a selection and dropdown lists.

The form should have restrictions on the word count (a counter of the total words written and the remaining to reach the limit should exist on each tab beside the head of the tab or at the end after the final line), the photo size, and the format.

I have tried to make a sample, and this is my best (edit pass is: 123):

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-Y1xjT8rCTEVFBijYS5wTGWSjewSjUKNAPmNaN3D7Qc/edit?usp=sharing

 

I can't remove the highlighting on the text area and can't control or keep the document font and format when pasting from an external source (the current format is corrupted by pasting), and I can't even add the written words counter.

 

Any advice is appreciated in this regard ...

 

1 Reply

  • Kidd_Ip's avatar
    Kidd_Ip
    MVP
    Oct 11, 2025

    Below are the steps for creating a Fillable Form in Word

    1. Enable the Developer Tab
    • Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon
    • Check Developer under Main Tabs
    1. Insert Form Controls

    Use the Developer tab to add:

    • Rich Text Content Control: For formatted text input
    • Plain Text Content Control: For simple text
    • Picture Content Control: Allows users to insert images
    • Drop-Down List Content Control: Add predefined choices
    • Check Boxes: For yes/no or multiple selections
    1. Restrict Editing
    • Go to Developer > Restrict Editing
    • Choose “Allow only this type of editing: Filling in forms”
    • Click Yes, Start Enforcing Protection

     

    Word doesn’t have a built-in live word counter per field, but you can:

    • Add a macro to count words in each field (requires VBA)
    • Or instruct users with a note like: “Max 150 words. Use Review > Word Count to check.”

    Photo Size & Format Restrictions

    • Use Picture Content Control to allow uploads
    • Add a note: “Only JPG/PNG under 2MB”
    • You can’t enforce size/format directly in Word, but you can validate manually or via macro

     

    Formatting Control When Pasting

    To preserve formatting:

    • Instruct users to paste using “Keep Text Only” (Ctrl + Shift + V)
    • Or paste into Notepad first, then into Word
    • You can also lock styles by using Style restrictions under “Restrict Editing”

     

    Remove Highlighting

    If your text area is highlighted:

    • Select the text
    • Go to Home > Text Highlight Color and choose “No Color”

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