I use a specific format for distributing information (1 pagers) via word doc(x). The problem I run into is that when others use this format they butcher it and make it look terrible. I have a specific way in which I want the text to be formated and place throughout the document however when others use it they cannot seem to get it right. What I'm looking for is a way to "DUMMY" it down. Essentially - create a way for other to simply enter text into a field and have it export correctly into the template.



For example I have a way to display the title. it is a specific font and size and maximum text length. I want them to be able to enter the title of their choice, limited to the acceptable text length and then "push" a button and have it exported to the correct format and location on the doc(x).

Is there a way for me to create a form or something else that an author would just simply fill in the blanks and "press a button" (if you will) and it produces a doc(x) in the format that I want it to be produced in???

I hope that this gets some attention and is clear enough... if not please ask for clarification.

Thank you!

Hi archerman,

Whilst you could turn the document into a Word form, and have that set up to do as you suggest, that would impose severe restrictions on users' ability to use the document in anything like a 'normal' manner.

The best solution is to teach the users how to use Word properly.

__________________
Cheers,
Paul Edstein
[Fmr MS MVP - Word]

I agree teaching them is best but if they cannot understand it then word form is the best?? Can you explain what the form form is?

Hi archerman,

Attached is a basic Word form. It's in Word 97-2003 format, as this still has the widest Word document format support. As you'll see, you can only type in the formfields provided. The first one is limited to 30 characters.

To create one in Word 2010, you'd need to have the 'Developer' tab active and pick whichever formfields you want from the 'Legacy Formfields' box before applying forms protection to the document. Alternatively, you could develop something using Word 2010's content controls (from the same tab), but content controls don't work in Word versions earlier than 2007.

For more information on using formfields, see:
http://word.mvps.org/faqs/tblsfldsfms/LinesInForms.htm

For more information on using content controls, see:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/wo...010030746.aspx

Attached Files

Form.doc (28.5 KB, 12 views)

__________________
Cheers,
Paul Edstein
[Fmr MS MVP - Word]