Are you tired of fumbling through forms on Word or Excel, not quite sure if you’re doing it right? Fear not, because today we’re going to walk you through the process step by step. By the end of this article, you’ll be filling out forms like a pro – whether on Word or Excel.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Fill in a Form on Word
First, let’s tackle how to fill in a form on Word. These steps will guide you through the process and make sure you don’t miss a thing.
Step 1: Open Your Word Document
Open the Word document that contains the form you need to fill out.
Once you’ve found the form you need to fill in, make sure to save a copy of it before you start entering your information. This ensures that you’ll always have a blank form to use in the future.
Step 2: Click on the Fields to Enter Information
Click on the fields that require your input and start typing.
Fields in Word forms are usually highlighted or outlined, making them easy to spot. If you click on a field and can’t type in it, the form might be protected. Look for a button that says “Enable Editing” or “Unprotect Form” to make the fields editable.
Step 3: Save the Form
Once you’ve completed the form, save it by clicking ‘File’ then ‘Save As’ to keep your entered information.
Make sure to save the filled form with a different name or in a different location than the original blank form. This way, you won’t overwrite the original, which you might need again later.
After completing these steps, your form will be ready for submission or printing, depending on your needs.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Fill in a Form on Excel
Filling out forms in Excel is slightly different but just as easy once you get the hang of it.
Step 1: Open Your Excel Workbook
Locate and open the Excel workbook that contains your form.
In Excel, forms can be a little less obvious than in Word. You’ll usually be looking for cells that have been designated for data entry, which may or may not be clearly marked.
Step 2: Enter Your Information
Click on the cells of the form and start typing in your information.
Be careful not to type over any formulas or data validation rules that might be in place to guide you through the form. These are there to help ensure you enter the correct type of information.
Step 3: Save Your Workbook
After filling out the form, save your workbook to preserve your entered data.
As with Word, be sure to save the filled-out form with a different name or in a different location to avoid overwriting the original blank form.
Once you’ve saved your filled-out Excel form, you can use it as needed, whether that’s sending it off via email or using the data for other purposes.
Tips for Filling in Forms
Here are some handy tips to keep in mind whether you’re filling out a form in Word or Excel:
- Always save the blank original form before you start entering your information.
- If you’re unsure what information goes in a field, hover over it or look for instructions within the form.
- Use tab to move quickly from one field to the next.
- Save your work frequently to prevent loss of data.
- Double-check all your entries before saving the final version of the form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a Word form is protected?
If you can’t click into the fields to type, the form may be protected. Look for a button that says “Enable Editing” or “Unprotect Form.”
Can I fill out a form on Word or Excel on my phone?
Yes, both Word and Excel have mobile apps that allow you to fill out forms on the go.
What if I make a mistake on the form?
Simply click into the field where you made the mistake and correct it. If the form is in Excel and you’ve overwritten a formula, you may need to revert to the original blank form.
Can I print the form after filling it out?
Absolutely! You can print the filled-out form just like any other document.
Is there a way to lock the form after filling it out to prevent further changes?
In both Word and Excel, you can protect the document or workbook to prevent any further editing.
Summary
- Open your form in Word or Excel.
- Enter information into the fields.
- Save the form with a different name or location than the original.
Conclusion
Filling out forms on Word or Excel doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right steps and some helpful tips, you can breeze through any form quickly and efficiently. Remember to always save your original form, use tab to navigate between fields easily, and check your work before finalizing anything.
By following this guide, you’re well on your way to becoming a form-filling expert in both Word and Excel. Don’t let those pesky forms intimidate you any longer – take charge and fill them out with confidence!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.