Skip to content

Electronic Signature

How to add a checkbox in Microsoft Word: A step-by-step guide

Adding a checkbox in Microsoft Word is a useful feature for creating forms, to-do lists, and interactive documents. Whether you’re making a checklist for personal use or designing a professional form, knowing how to insert checkboxes will enhance document usability.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through different ways to add checkboxes in Word, key considerations, and practical applications.

How to add a checkbox in Microsoft Word? - Oneflow

What is a checkbox in Microsoft Word?

A checkbox in Word is an interactive or printable box that users can check or leave unchecked. It is commonly used in:

  1. Forms – For gathering responses in surveys and applications.
  2. To-do lists – For task tracking and organization.
  3. Agreements and approvals – For confirming choices or approvals in documents.

Types of checkboxes in Word:

  • Interactive checkboxes – Usable in digital documents, allowing users to check or uncheck.
  • Static checkboxes – Printable, designed for manually marking with a pen.

Considerations before adding a checkbox

Before inserting a checkbox, consider:

  • Purpose of the document – Is it for printing or digital use?
  • Microsoft Word version – Some features may vary depending on your version.
  • Document formatting – Ensure that the layout supports checkboxes without disrupting the structure.

Who uses checkboxes in Microsoft Word?

  • Business professionals – For contracts, approval forms, and task lists.
  • Educators and students – For quizzes, worksheets, and study plans.
  • Project managers – For checklists and workflow tracking.
  • HR & admin teams – For surveys and application forms.

Read also: How to add an electronic signature to a word document?

How to add a checkbox in Microsoft Word: Step-by-step guide

Method 1: Add an interactive checkbox (for digital use)

Step 1: Enable the developer tab

  1. Open Microsoft Word.
  2. Click File > Options.
  3. Select Customize Ribbon.
  4. Under Main Tabs, check the box for Developer, then click OK.

Step 2: Insert a checkbox

  1. Place the cursor where you want to insert the checkbox.
  2. Go to the Developer tab.
  3. Click on Check Box Content Control (a checkbox icon in the Controls group).
  4. The checkbox will appear in your document, and users can now click to check or uncheck it.

Method 2: Add a printable checkbox (for paper use)

Step 1: Use the bullets feature

  1. Place the cursor where you want the checkbox.
  2. Click the Home tab.
  3. In the Paragraph group, click the Bullets dropdown.
  4. Select Define New Bullet.
  5. Click Symbol, choose a square box (□), then click OK.
  6. The checkbox will now appear in the list format.

Step 2: Adjust formatting (optional)

  • You can increase the checkbox size by selecting it and adjusting the font size.
  • To add space, press Tab after inserting a checkbox.

Most popular business agreement templates

Get access to 40+ business agreement templates in Oneflow

Use cases: When would you add a checkbox in Word?

Checkboxes in Word are useful for:

  • Task and to-do lists – Making interactive checklists for work or personal use.
  • Forms and surveys – Collecting responses efficiently.
  • Approval and agreement documents – Indicating consent or acknowledgment.
  • Event planning and checklists – Organizing steps for project management.
  • Education and quizzes – Creating multiple-choice tests.

Final thoughts

Adding a checkbox in Microsoft Word enhances document functionality and improves usability. Whether you need an interactive or printable checkbox, following the steps above ensures that your document is structured effectively.

If you frequently use checkboxes in Word, consider creating templates for easy access in future documents.

Disclaimer 

All information on this page is derived from publicly available sources. Oneflow does not verify the accuracy, completeness, or currentness of this information. Accordingly, Oneflow assumes no responsibility or liability for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions in the content, nor for any actions taken in reliance on such information. Users are advised to independently verify any information before making decisions based on it.

Prev:

10 Key sales performance metrics you should track for better business outcomes

Next:

How e-signatures for employment agreements are changing hiring forever

Move from friction to flow

Discover how digital contracts save you time, money, and admin pains. So you can focus on what you do best.

Move from friction to flow

Discover how digital contracts save you time, money, and admin pains. So you can focus on what you do best.
Demo form
Get your demo
Enter your details in the form and we’ll be in touch shortly.

"*" indicates required fields

Opt Out
form bottom demo demo demo

Related articles

Electronic Signature

eSignature integration: Boost your workflow with esign tools

Electronic Signature

Qualified electronic signature (QES): The gold standard in the EU

Quote to Cash: How the contract journey becomes a revenue engine - Oneflow
Contracts

Quote to Cash: How the contract journey becomes a revenue engine

Contracts

PandaDoc review: We tried it—here’s how it compares to Oneflow

Legal teams can significantly streamline their workflows - Oneflow
Electronic Signature

Docusign review (2025): Still the best e-signature tool?

Planning to automate your contracts Here’s how to build your case - Oneflow
Contracts

Planning to automate your contracts? Here’s how to build your case

Insights from real users: One tool for managing every document type - Oneflow
Contracts

Insights from real users: One tool for managing every document type

Is electronic signature valid forever? - Oneflow
Electronic Signature

Is electronic signature valid forever? The truth might surprise you.

Privacy overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly necessary cookies

Strictly necessary cookies are enabled to save your preferences for cookie settings and other important core functionality. You may disable these by changing your browser settings, but this may affect how the website functions. To change your preferences at any time, click on the “Change cookie settings” icon in the lower left corner to access this page.

Marketing cookies

Cookies set by third party services or by us to track performance metrics, usage and marketing analytics to help us to personalize content and ads which improves your experience visiting Oneflow. We also share information about your use of our site with our analytics and advertising partners.

Show details