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Developer Tab Legacy tools in Word

GAIL WATSON 0 Reputation points
2025-12-11T18:13:44.0533333+00:00

I am trying to develop a simple application form and I need to put things like fillable text boxes, check boxes and selection options. Microsoft word used to have this, and it used to be so easy, but now I cannot get the Developer's tab to display any of those options even when I go to Preferences and tell it to. What is the problem? I'm using a Macbook Pro.

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | MacOS
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  1. Bob Jones AKA CyberTaz MVP 430K Reputation points
    2025-12-12T18:52:00.6733333+00:00

    Thanks for this but you omitted the Office Version Number. Also, are you shown as the Belongs to: in the About Microsoft Word dialog or is something else shown there?

    It also appears that there has been an attempt to modify the Ribbon... The default location of the Developer tab is at the extreme right end of the Ribbon, not immediately to the right of the Home tab. Note that in the Ribbon & Toolbar dialog the name of the Developer tab is followed by (Custom). You should find that the standard Developer tab is where it should be but may not be displayed due to the width of the window. Widen the window of=r click the » at the right of last tab shown on the Ribbon itself. Also, if you scroll down in the Ribbon & Toolbar dialog you should see Developer near the bottom of the list.

    I suggest clicking the circled ellipsis at the bottom of the right column in Ribbon & Toolbar to Reset all customizations:

    User's image

    You may need to restart the program afterward.

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  1. Lucky 5,090 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-11T19:25:28.4633333+00:00

    Hi GAIL WATSON, I understand how frustrating this must feel Word used to make this so simple and now it feels like you’re jumping through hoops just to add basic form fields.

    On Word for Mac turn on the Developer tab in Preferences under Ribbon and Toolbar then use Legacy Tools to add text fields checkboxes or dropdowns. Double click to set properties and enable Protect Form so they are fillable. Note that Mac only supports legacy controls and modern options like date pickers require Windows or an add in.

    What is the main goal for your form just collecting basic information or do you need advanced features like date pickers and dynamic fields?

    Best regards

    Lucky

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  3. GAIL WATSON 0 Reputation points
    2025-12-12T10:33:21.9133333+00:00

    to Bob Jones AKA CyberTaz MVP I will try rebooting. In the meantime macOS Tahoe V26.1. License is Microsoft 365 Subscription.

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  4. GAIL WATSON 0 Reputation points
    2025-12-12T10:42:50.1466667+00:00

    Lucky I prepared a response but it got deleted, so I'll try again. See my settings and ribbon appearance below. The purpose of the form is for members of a genealogy society to request research help. We want a simple fillable pdf that can be emailed. Text boxes (name, email address, etc), selection options (new member ancestor or supplemental ancestor? application submitted and rejected or are you still preparing it? If submitted and rejected, was it poor format or unproven lineage or both?) Check boxes for any type of specialized research (I think this list is what violated the code of conduct) Long text box (describe the assistance you desire).

    Screenshot 2025-12-12 at 5.03.14 AM

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