Adding check boxes in Microsoft Word enables you to create interactive to-do lists, surveys, or any document requiring item selection. Follow these five simple steps:
Method 1: Using Bullet Points (Simple Static Check Boxes)
- Place your cursor: Click where you want the check box list to start or select existing items.
- Access the Bullet Library: Go to the "Home" tab. In the "Paragraph" group, click the dropdown arrow next to the bullet list icon.
- Define a New Bullet: Select "Define New Bullet..." at the bottom of the dropdown menu.
- In the "Define New Bullet" dialog box, click "Symbol...".
- Set the "Font" dropdown to either Wingdings 2 or Segoe UI Symbol.
- Locate and select the empty square box symbol ( in Wingdings 2, or find the box character in Segoe UI). Click "OK".
- Apply the Check Box: Click "OK" again in the "Define New Bullet" dialog. Your selected text (or cursor position) now displays empty check boxes as bullets.
- Use Your Checklist: Type your list items. For a checked box symbol , type the letter 'a' (lowercase) and change its font to Wingdings 2 (if used in step 3).
Method 2: Using the Developer Tab (Interactive Check Boxes)
- Enable the Developer Tab: Right-click the ribbon and choose "Customize the Ribbon". Under "Main Tabs", check "Developer". Click "OK".
- Place your cursor: Click where you want the interactive check box inserted.
- Insert the Check Box Control: Go to the "Developer" tab. In the "Controls" group, click the "Check Box Content Control" icon (looks like a box with a checkmark).
- Check/Uncheck the Box: An interactive check box appears. Click it directly to toggle between a checkmark () and empty ().
- Customize Properties (Optional): Select the check box control. Click "Properties" in the "Controls" group. Here you can change the symbols used for checked/unchecked states or lock the control.
Key Consideration: Method 1 creates static symbols. Method 2 creates interactive fields users can click directly within Word.
