Combo Box content control duplicate choice

[jeffreybrown]

I have a content control (combo box) with a few choices to select from. Later on in my Word document, I would like the results of this control to replicate. From all my research and attempts, it does not appear this type of content control will work this way the way the Date Picker content control does.

What is the alternative?

[gmayor]

If you insert a mapped control - https://www.gmayor.com/insert_content_control_addin.htm makes that easy - then whatever you enter or select in one control will be repeated in any copies of that control.

[jeffreybrown]

Thanks Graham, but unfortunately, I will not be able to use any add-ins at my work.

[Guessed]

If you only have a small limited number of different fields, it is easiest to pick from the built-in metadata fields. Go to Insert > Quick Parts > Document Property > pick any one you like. You can make copies of this and paste into multiple locations. When you change the value of one, the others will automatically change. The drawback is that all these entries are going to be plain text Content Controls.

To add a linked Content Control of any type (including a ComboBox): Go to the Developer tab > XML Mapping Pane > Find your preferred Custom XML and Node > Right click it and choose > Insert Content Control > choose the type you want.

[Charles Kenyon]

Originally Posted by jeffreybrown

Thanks Graham, but unfortunately, I will not be able to use any add-ins at my work.

So, build your form on an external computer and bring it to work. The Add-In is not required to use the mapped controls. No macros are involved in the form itself, it is a part of the XML structure.


Otherwise, roll up your sleeves and prepare to learn much more about XML so you can modify your files without the Add-In (i.e. reinvent the wheel). You do not need to use an Add-In to do this, it is just easier. Mapped Content Controls

[jeffreybrown]

Since this is a limited number of fields, I'm going to stick with the built-in content controls. Thanks to all.

[Charles Kenyon]

Originally Posted by jeffreybrown

Since this is a limited number of fields, I'm going to stick with the built-in content controls. Thanks to all.

For more on using the document property content controls, see Repeating Data Using Document Properties Content Controls and Other Mapped Content Controls.


I did not suggest it earlier because this option does not include a combobox control.

[jeffreybrown]

Thanks Charles. I can surely get something to fit my needs from here.

[Charles Kenyon]

Glad we could point you in the right direction.