Changing tab order in form fields

[unistate]

Hello,

I am hoping someone can assist me. I have searched for a solution online but the answers have been a bit over my head as far as programming.

I have a template created in Word 2007 using form fields. Instead of tabbing to each field horizontally, which appears to be the default, I would like to tab vertically.

I have attached a sample. If anyone can provide guidance, I would be grateful. Thank you in advance.

[Guessed]

AFAIK, you can't control the tab order as Word jumps from field to field.

I would do this by merging the rows into a single cell so that your question/answers are sitting in two table cells instead of separate cells for each field. The tab order will go to each field in the same cell before moving to the next cell.

[Charles Kenyon]

This is not simple.
See How to set the “tab order” of a Word form by Dave Rado and Mark Tangard.

With Word 2007 and later, though, you may want to consider migrating to Content Controls which are far more flexible and powerful. If you do that, this page would assist. Content Control Grouping & Navigation by Greg Maxey (There are free utilities available to convert legacy form fields to Content Controls if you are interested.)

[unistate]

I appreciate the feedback. I might try to re-invent the wheel with this document. I am willing to pay someone with the knowledge to develop what I need. I will post in a separate thread. Thank you.

[unistate]

Hello. I am hoping to find someone willing to assist me with a project. I will pay for your services.

I have a template that was created in MS Word 2007 that is full of form fields. I still have Word 2007 but use Word 365. There are numerous calculations and formulas in the template. They work properly for the most part, but navigating through the fields is far from smooth. I attached a sample.

With the understanding that some of my requests might not even be possible, here are a few things on my wish-list.

First, I would like to tab from field to field vertically instead of the default horizontally. I know there are pages that give some instruction on this, but frankly, it's over my head. Second, in my sample, you will see some "positive" numbers and for those, I need the + sign in front of them similar to how the - shows up for a negative number.
So if I type 3500, I need it to show as +3,500. Right now, I have to unprotect my document, and manually add the + symbol. Lastly, I have a "net" figure at the bottom of my grid that is a percentage. It seems to be rounding to the nearest whole percent. For instance, in my example for comp #1, I need the net to show as -1.25% instead of rounding that to -1.00% which is what it does now.

Maybe these are not possible with the current format. I am open to any suggestions even if I have to reinvent the wheel. There are several other tweaks I would like as well but figured this would be a good starting point. If interested, please let me know. Thank you in advance.

[macropod]

For the + signs, you could insert a field coded along the lines of:
{IF{C1SP}> 0 "+"}
into each cell where you want the + sign to appear. The 'C1SP' needs to be the internal field bookmark for the fields concerned.

To get the tabs to go vertically, you could split the table into four vertical sections and format the page with a 4-column layout. Getting everything lined up and sized correctly is a chore, though. See attached. I've done the first field addition for you.

[macropod]

Please don't post multiple threads on the same topic. Threads merged. See my reply in post #6.

[unistate]

Thanks for the feedback Paul, and sorry for the multiple threads. I believe it was you who assisted me a few years back and I appreciate it again. I will test out your version and get back to you.