Insert an interactive and programmable checkbox (ActiveX controls) in Word
ActiveX checkboxes are useful in creating interactive and dynamic documents. If you're looking to add functionality that requires more than just basic form filling - such as integrating with other Office applications, automating tasks through VBA, or enabling complex user interactions - then ActiveX control checkboxes are an excellent choice. These controls are highly customizable and can be programmed to react to user actions, making them ideal for advanced Word users who need to incorporate sophisticated elements into their documents. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to successfully insert and configure an ActiveX control checkbox in Word.
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Insert an ActiveX control checkbox in Word with the Developer tab
Step 1: Enable the Developer tab (Skip if Developer is already on your Word ribbon)
- Click File > Options > Customize Ribbon.
- Under the Main Tabs, check the Developer box and click OK.
Step 2: Insert the ActiveX control checkbox
On the Developer tab, in the Controls group, click Legacy Tools > Check Box (ActiveX Control).
Result
An ActiveX checkbox will be inserted at the location of your cursor.
Note: You can select the inserted checkbox and press Ctrl + C to copy it, then paste it wherever needed using Ctrl + V.
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Insert an ActiveX control checkbox in Word with Kutools for Word
If you prefer not to use the Developer tab, Kutools for Word provides an alternative with its Check Box utilities for quickly inserting ActiveX checkboxes.
On the Kutools tab, click Check Box > Check Box (AvtiveX Control).
Result
An ActiveX control check box is inserted at the location of your cursor.
Notes:
- You can select the inserted checkbox and press Ctrl + C to copy it, then paste it wherever needed using Ctrl + V.
- Want to access the Check Box utility? Download Kutools for Word now! Beyond this, Kutools boasts a myriad of 100+ other features and offers a 60-day free trial. Don't wait, give it a try today!
Edit an ActiveX control checkbox in Word
Editing an ActiveX control checkbox in Word involves changing its properties, appearance, or associated VBA code. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to edit an ActiveX control checkbox in Word:
Step 1: Enter Design Mode
On the Developer tab, in the Controls group, click Design Mode to make the button appear pressed.
Step 2: Edit the checkbox properties
- Right-click on the ActiveX control checkbox you want to edit, and select Properties.
- In the Properties window, you can modify various attributes of the checkbox, such as:
- Name: Change the name of the checkbox for easier reference in VBA code.
- Caption: Change the text label of the checkbox.
- Value: Set the default state (True for checked, False for unchecked).
- Font: Customize the font style and size of the caption.
- BackColor/ForeColor: Change the background and text color of the checkbox.
- ...... (In the picture below, I changed the caption, and it applies immediately to the checkbox.)
Step 3: Exit Design Mode
Click Design Mode again in the Controls group of the Developer tab to exit design mode.
Related articles
- How to insert a checkbox in Word (Interactive and print-only)
- How to insert check box form field in Word documents?
- Add a check mark or tick symbol in Microsoft Word
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