How to Create a Drop-Down List in Word

To create a drop-down list in Word, turn on the Developer tab, click where the list should go, and select Developer > Drop-Down List Content Control. Then select Properties, choose Add, and type each choice. Readers can then pick one option from the list instead of typing an answer.

This guide covers the Word desktop app for Windows (Microsoft 365, 2021 and 2024), with a note for Mac. It walks through showing the Developer tab, inserting and filling the list, changing the placeholder text, protecting the form, and fixing a list that won’t let anyone choose. Steps follow Microsoft’s guide to creating forms in Word, checked in October 2026. Microsoft notes that creating fillable forms isn’t available in Word for the web.

Step 1: Show the Developer Tab

Word hides its form controls on the Developer tab, which is off by default.

1. Select File > Options. Result: the Word Options window opens.
2. Select Customize Ribbon. Result: the list of main tabs appears on the right.
3. Check Developer and select OK. Result: the Developer tab appears in the ribbon.

On a Mac, the setting is under Word > Preferences > Ribbon and Toolbar, where you enable Developer under Main Tabs. The rest of the steps are the same.

Step 2: Insert the Drop-Down List

1. Click where you want the list in your document. Result: the cursor marks the spot.
2. On the Developer tab, in the Controls group, select Drop-Down List Content Control. Result: a box with “Choose an item.” appears.

Step 3: Add the Choices

1. Select the new control, then select Properties on the Developer tab. Result: the Content Control Properties window opens.
2. Optional: type a Title. The title appears above the list when someone clicks it, and the Tag fills in automatically.
3. Under Drop-Down List Properties, select Add, type a choice in Display Name, and select OK. Result: the choice appears in the list. The Value field fills in to match.
4. Repeat for each choice. Use Modify, Remove, Move Up and Move Down to edit or reorder them.
5. Select OK. Result: clicking the control’s arrow now shows your choices.

Two more settings in this window: Color for the control’s appearance and Content control cannot be deleted, which stops people from removing it unless they unlock the document.

Drop-down list or combo box?

Microsoft explains the difference: in a drop-down list, people can only pick from your choices. In a combo box, they can pick a choice or type their own. Use Developer > Combo Box Content Control if you want to allow typed answers.

Change the “Choose an item” Text

To replace the default prompt:

1. Select Design Mode on the Developer tab. Result: the placeholder text becomes editable.
2. Select “Choose an item.” and type your own prompt, such as “Select a department.” Result: the new prompt shows in the box.
3. Select Design Mode again to turn it off.

To reuse the finished list, select the control, copy it with Ctrl + C, and paste it where you need another one.

Step 4: Protect the Form (Optional)

To let people use the list without changing anything else, Microsoft suggests Restrict Editing:

1. Select Developer > Restrict Editing. Result: the Restrict Editing pane opens.
2. Under editing restrictions, choose Filling in forms.
3. Select Yes, Start Enforcing Protection, and add a password if you want. Result: people can use the controls but can’t edit the rest of the document.

Microsoft adds that you can protect only certain sections by choosing Select Sections in the Restrict Editing pane. For a complete form with text boxes and check boxes, see how to make a Word document fillable and how to insert a check box in Word.

If the Drop-Down List Doesn’t Work

• You can’t pick a choice: Microsoft warns that if Contents cannot be edited is checked in Properties, users won’t be able to click a choice. Uncheck it.
• The list is empty: you inserted the control but didn’t add choices. Open Properties and use Add.
• The Developer tab is missing: turn it on again under File > Options > Customize Ribbon.
• You opened it in Word for the web: creating forms isn’t available there. Open the document in the desktop app.
• The boxes around controls print: they don’t. Microsoft notes the content control boxes won’t show on printed copies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I edit the list later?

Select the control, select Properties, and use Modify, Remove or Move Up/Down.

How do I remove the drop-down?

Right-click the control and select Remove Content Control, as Microsoft describes.

Can a Word drop-down list allow more than one choice?

No. A drop-down list content control holds one selection. Use check boxes if people need to pick several options.

Is this the same as a drop-down list in Excel?

No, Excel uses Data Validation instead. See how to create a drop-down list in Excel.

To put drop-down lists into a planner or schedule, see how to make a calendar in Word.