How to Add a Checkbox in Microsoft Word (3 Easy Methods)
Last Updated :
10 Apr, 2025
Creating checklists and interactive documents in Microsoft Word becomes much easier once you learn how to add a checkbox in Word. Whether you're preparing a to-do list, a survey, or an agreement document, checkboxes serve as a valuable tool. With just a few simple steps, you can insert a checkbox in Word to enhance the organization and clarity of your document.
In this guide, we’ll explore three different methods to create a checklist in Word—using the checkbox symbol in Word, Developer Tools, or simply by utilizing symbols. By the end of this article, you'll have the knowledge to put a checkbox in Word for both printed and interactive documents, depending on your specific needs.
Method 1: Insert Checkboxes using Bullet Library
This method is ideal for creating checklists that will be printed and filled out manually. Here are the following steps to insert checkboxes for printed documents
Step 1: Open Your Word Document
Launch Microsoft Word and open the document where you want to insert checkboxes.
Open Your Word DocumentGo to the Home tab in the toolbar. In the Paragraph section, click the dropdown arrow next to the Bullets button.
Access the Bullet List ToolStep 3: Customize the Bullet Style
Select Define New Bullet from the dropdown menu. In the Define New Bullet window, click on Symbol. Choose a checkbox symbol (e.g., a square or tick box) from the symbol library and click OK. Click OK again to apply the checkbox as the bullet style.
Customize the Bullet StyleStep 4: Select your Checkbox Style
Click on your style of checkbox, which will show on your list.
Select your Checkbox Style Step 5: Add Checkboxes to Your List
Type your list items, and each will automatically include a checkbox as the bullet.
Add Checkboxes to Your ListMethod 2: Add Checkboxes using Developer Tools
Interactive checkboxes in Word allow users to digitally confirm or approve sections of a document, including signatures. Here's how to add checkboxes in Word:
Step 1: Enable the Developer Tab
If the Developer tab is not visible. Click File and go to Options. Select Customize Ribbon. In the right-hand column, check the box for Developer and click OK.
Enable the Developer TabStep 2: Insert an Interactive Checkbox
Place your cursor where you want the checkbox. Go to the Developer tab and click on the Check Box Content Control button (a square with a checkmark inside).
Right-click on the checkbox and select Properties. In the properties window, you can:
- Change the checkbox symbol.
- Customize its size and appearance.
Click OK to save your settings.
Method 3: Use Symbols to Insert Checkboxes
If you need a quick way to add checkboxes without making them interactive, using symbols is an easy solution. This method works well for creating non-interactive checklists in Word. Here are the following steps to insert symbol checkboxes in Word:
Step 1: Place the Cursor
Click where you want to insert the checkbox.
Go to the Insert tab and click on Symbol. Select More Symbols from the dropdown menu.
Step 3: Insert a Checkbox Symbol
In the Symbol window:
- Choose a font like Wingdings or Segoe UI Symbol.
- Scroll to find a checkbox symbol and click Insert.
Repeat as needed to add more checkboxes.
Conclusion
Whether you're looking to insert a checkbox in Word for a printed checklist or require an interactive form, Microsoft Word provides versatile options to suit your needs. From using the simple checkbox symbol in Word to more advanced techniques with Developer Tools, you now have several methods to create checklists in Word and improve the structure of your documents. By following the outlined steps, you can efficiently add a checkbox in Word and make your document more functional.
Similar Reads
How to Make a Flyer with Microsoft Word : 2 Methods
Looking to create eye-catching promotional materials? Microsoft Word offers an accessible and versatile way to design flyers for any purpose. Whether you’re promoting an event, advertising a product, or sharing important information, Word provides ready-made templates and customization tools to make
6 min read
How to Add a Footnote and Endnote in a Microsoft Word Document
Footnotes and endnotes are tools commonly used in academic, professional, and research documents to provide additional information or cite sources without disrupting the flow of the main text. A footnote is placed at the bottom of the page where the reference appears, while an endnote is listed at t
6 min read
How to Add a Signature in Excel: 2 Methods Explained
Adding a signature in Excel is a simple yet impactful way to authenticate your documents, enhance professionalism, and streamline approvals. Whether you're working on contracts, invoices, or reports, inserting a digital or handwritten signature in Excel ensures your files are credible and personaliz
5 min read
How to Make a Flowchart in Word (2 Easy Methods)
Wondering how to create a flowchart in Word? Microsoft Word provides versatile tools, such as SmartArt for flowcharts and customizable shapes for flowchart creation, to design workflows and visualize ideas effectively. From illustrating organizational processes to creating project timelines, Word is
6 min read
How To Insert Horizontal and Vertical Lines in Microsoft Word
Lines in a Microsoft Word document serve as powerful tools for formatting and organization. Whether you're creating dividers, enhancing visual structure, or emphasizing sections, horizontal and vertical lines play a crucial role. This guide walks you through how to insert horizontal and vertical lin
6 min read
How to Create a Table of Contents in Microsoft Word
A table of contents (TOC) in Microsoft Word is an essential tool for organizing lengthy documents and ensuring easy navigation. Whether it's a report, thesis, or business plan, learning how to create a table of contents in Word helps present your content in a clear and professional manner. This guid
6 min read
How to Make a Newspaper in Microsoft Word
In the Digital era where information flows freely from devices newspaper reading is still an emotion for people. But with the help of Microsoft Word, we can regenerate this emotion with the help of effective and efficient tools. With the help of MS Word, we can still preserve the art of creating the
6 min read
How to Convert Excel to Word: 4 Easy and Effective Methods
Converting Excel to Word is a useful skill when you need to present data from your spreadsheets in a more readable or formal document format. Whether you're preparing a report, creating a proposal, or simply transferring tables and charts from Excel into Word, knowing how to convert Excel to Word wi
7 min read
How to Easily Add Checkboxes in Google Docs: A Step-by-Step Guide
Check box Google Docs - Quick StepsOpen Google Docs >> Select the textGo to “Format†>> Select “Bullets & numbering.Click on “Checklist†>> Checkboxes will appear Select a checkbox >> Mark it as checked or unchecked as neededAdding checkboxes in Google Docs is an easy way
10 min read
How to Insert a Checkbox in Excel: Step-by-Step Guide
How to Add Checkboxes in Excel: Quick Steps Enable the Developer Tab >>Go to Developer TabControl Group >> Click InsertSelect Checkboxes >>Place the CheckboxesLink the Checkbox to a CellCreating a checklist or adding interactive elements to your spreadsheet in Excel becomes much ea
8 min read