Checkboxes are useful for to-do lists, surveys, or interactive forms. Microsoft Word offers two main types: printable checkboxes (a square symbol you mark with a pen) and interactive checkboxes (which you can click directly on-screen). Here’s how to create both.
Method 1: Printable Checkboxes (For Paper Lists)
This method inserts a hollow square symbol (☐) that you can print and check off manually.
- Place your cursor where you want the checkbox.
- Go to the “Home” tab and click the “Bullets” dropdown arrow (next to the bullet list icon).
- Select “Define New Bullet”.
- Click “Symbol…” button on the pop-up that appears.
- Change the font to Wingdings 2, find and select the hollow square (looks like an empty box). Click “OK” to close the dialog boxes.
- Now, every time you can select the checkbox from the “Bullets” to create a new checkbox in list format.
- To mark it on paper, simply print and use a pen.
Quick alternative: Type a capital R in Wingdings 2 font (gives ☑) or a capital T (gives T) or simply copy the checkbox (☐) and paste as needed.
Method 2: Interactive Checkboxes (Clickable Digital Forms)
For documents you’ll fill out on a computer (like a digital checklist), use the “Developer” tab.
- Right-click on the ribbon and select “Customize the Ribbon” option.
- Check “Developer” on the right-pane and click “OK” button.
- Place your cursor where desired and click the “Developer” tab.
- In the “Controls” group, click the “Checkbox Content Control” icon (it looks like a checked box).
- An interactive box (☐) appears. Click it to toggle between checked (☒) and unchecked.
For changing the check mark style, select the checkbox and go to “Developer > Properties”. Under “Checked symbol”, click “Change” to use a check mark, an ‘X’, or another symbol. You can also prevent deletion or editing of the box.
Method 3: Legacy Checkboxes (For Old Forms)
If you need compatibility with older Word versions:
- Go to “Developer” menu and click the “Legacy Tools” icon in “Controls” group.
- This will show all “Legacy Forms” tools and click the “Checkbox Form Field”.
- Double-click on the inserted checkbox to set the default value as unchecked or checked.
Which Method to Use?
| You want to… | Use this method |
|---|---|
| Print and check with a pen | Printable (Bullet symbol) or Copy paste |
| Click to check/uncheck on-screen | Interactive (Developer tab) |
| Create an old, protected form | Legacy (Developer tab) |
Now you can insert checkboxes for both on-screen use and printing in any Word document.
