Fillable forms, multiple locations for entry of data, fields etc

[andiamoster]

I have read some of the responses from MS Word. None works.
Issue is: 1 form, repeat entries of same information - e.g. date, name,
address etc. . Unable to make Form Field Text box work as entering "Date"
then "RefDate" fails to compute;
Form must be user friendly, real simple and basic for end user who is
likely less computer literate than me (which means they know how to turn the
computer on and not much more) - not only for me as draftsman but also user
who is going to use the form. Instructions and feedback also have to meet
that low level of computer literacy!
Want simple solution in non technical verbiage
Using Word 2003

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

Okay, let's try this step by step.

1. You have a text form field into which the date is entered.

2. That form field by default has a bookmark named, say, Text1.

3. You can change the bookmark name to Date in the Form Field Options
dialog. While you're there, check the box for "Calculate on exit."

4. Now, where you want the date repeated, press Ctrl+F9 and, between the
braces Word will insert, type REF Date. Alternatively, use Insert |
Reference | Cross-reference to Bookmark and select Date.

 

[andiamoster]

Okay, let's try this step by step.

1. You have a text form field into which the date is entered.

2. That form field by default has a bookmark named, say, Text1.

3. You can change the bookmark name to Date in the Form Field Options
dialog. While you're there, check the box for "Calculate on exit."

4. Now, where you want the date repeated, press Ctrl+F9 and, between the
braces Word will insert, type REF Date. Alternatively, use Insert |
Reference | Cross-reference to Bookmark and select Date.

--
Suzanne S. Barnhill
Microsoft MVP (Word)
Words into Type
Fairhope, Alabama USA




Tried - nothing happens -

Lets try over
I have a document with multiple fields to be filled in by a user
Some of the fields are duplications
Right now those fields have been highlighted/shaded as a result of hitting
the "abl" on the form field toolbar
Doubleclicking on those existing shaded fields - none of which have anything
typed in them but do have the description of what is to be entered into that
field preceding the individual shaded fields - results in a drop down box
which allows for a number of items including "Text Form Field - followed by
Type, Default Text, Max Length and Text Format; then followed by Macro entry
and exit and then Field Settings with Bookmark - in which space the word Date
has been typed.
The calculate on exit box has been checked.
This is wonderful so far but does absolutely nothing for allowing for the
automatic filling into places/fields following the initial location nor for
getting this to work!!
Nor can I find any other way to go to another field/shaded area for other
but different repetitive data to be entered
So lets start over
Is the shaded area the text form field?
How is, for example, "Date" recorded into that field and where does it
appear on the document? Is it typed into the shaded area? By the way, tried
typing "Date" into the shaded area - it disappears. With the form toolbar
open - tried typing Date in - moves the shaded area over - does not overwrite
into the shaded area.
Which step comes first? the word date, the text form discussion box, the
creation of the field by hitting the "abl" button...are you skipping out or
skimming over some steps?
Next Q along this route, you say something about insert - reference -
bookmark and you use a vertical line to separate - where does one go to find
these bookmarks stored - and is there some significance to the vertical line
and if so what, where, when, why and how
So why not start from square 1 on this tutorial keeping it basic and
identifying where the terms come from or appear in the entire process.

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

I can see we have to back up a lot farther. Yes, the shaded areas are the
form fields. In order to use the form fields, you have to protect the
document for forms. See
http://word.mvps.org/FAQs/Customization/FillinTheBlanks.htm and especially
the forms tutorials by Dian Chapman that this article links to.

And Insert | Reference | Cross-reference means that you select the Insert
menu, then the Reference item, then the Cross-reference item on the submenu
to open the Cross-reference dialog.