Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated May 2, 2015)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
Becki has a form that she created in Word, using form fields. The values entered by users need to be numbers. However, the form field allows users to enter things such as a digit, a space, and another digit, which is not a valid number. Becki wonders how she can ensure that a user enters valid numbers in a form field.
The trick is in how you configure the properties of the form field. With the document unprotected, right-click the form field and choose Properties from the resulting context menu. Excel displays the Field Options dialog box for the form field. (See Figure 1.)
Figure 1. The Field Options dialog box for a form field.
You want to make sure the Type drop-down list is set to Number, and you should use the Number Format drop-down list to choose 0. (This means that the field will only accept straight numbers.)
When you set the field properties in this manner, the user isn't precluded from entering a digit, a space, and another digit, but when the field is exited the space between the digits is removed automatically.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (8691) applies to Microsoft Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Word (Word 2007 and later) here: Valid Numbers in Form Fields.
Discover the Power of Microsoft Office This beginner-friendly guide reveals the expert tips and strategies you need to skyrocket your productivity and use Office 365 like a pro. Mastering software like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential to be more efficient and advance your career. Simple lessons guide you through every step, providing the knowledge you need to get started. Check out Microsoft Office 365 For Beginners today!
When you lock a document as a form, then Word limits what you can do with that document. That includes not being able to ...
Discover MoreOne of the controls you can add to a Word form is a drop-down form field. This field is similar to drop-down lists used ...
Discover MoreIf you get unwanted formatting in your form fields, it could be because of the way you are formatting the line on which ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2015-05-02 05:32:27
ARUNACHALAM
just i started using your tips and is useful.
Got a version of Word that uses the menu interface (Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, or Word 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments