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RickJ · Jul 23, 2007, 10:29 AM

I use a Template (.dot file) for apartment leases where I just fill in the blanks (sample file attached if needed).

I have to click on each blank space before typing in it.

I'd love to tab to them instead. Is this possible in Word?

Thanks!

ScottGem · Jul 23, 2007, 10:31 AM

You need to protect the non field portions of the template that should allow you to tab to the fillable fields.

This isn't a template. It's a doc with blanks. I would make it a template and insert fillable fields. You can even create a form with prompts and check boxes or combos etc.

RickJ · Jul 23, 2007, 10:46 AM

The doc was saved from the template... I forgot that after saving you would not be able to see the fields. Attached is the .dot file.

I protected the form (clicked lock symbol on the Forms Toolbar) but it does not change the fields to tabbable ones. Did you mean a different type of protection?

... and just rooting around, I double clicked a field to check the properties and do not see anything that might control it either.

NeedKarma · Jul 23, 2007, 10:58 AM

How to set the "tab order" of a Word form

RickJ · Jul 23, 2007, 11:09 AM

Thanks Need. Holy smoke that looks like a royal pain in the rump. I'm thinking now I'm better off saving as html and replacing the blanks with form fields. I'll try it.

ScottGem · Jul 23, 2007, 11:18 AM

I'll have to play with this, because I know it can be done. I'll let you know.

RickJ · Jul 24, 2007, 03:46 AM

That would be wonderful, thanks. The html page is turning out fairly decent... I'd like to compare the two if it's not too complicated in Word.

RickJ · Jul 25, 2007, 02:09 AM

The html form is working wonderfully... and I like the additional benefit of being able to use it from
Multiple locations: Lease

Yes, the text is small, but of course I don't need to read it... and it prints out at the same size as the Word document I was using.

RickJ · Jul 27, 2007, 08:32 AM

Well, the html is a bust. I figured that if I saved the page with blanks filled in, then the blanks would save too... but that's not the case.. . so I'll try the macros thing to make tabbable blanks out of the textfields in the .dot file.