I was creating a Word document template for my team to use, and I wanted to include a reference number in the header to make it appear on each page. I initially created a field for the user to click and enter the value. The problem with using a simple entry field and sticking it in the header is that it’s grayed-out and easily forgotten.

So, instead of using a textbox field, I decided to prompt the user for the value by using a fill-in field. It’s an easy thing to do, and users of the template will never forget to enter the value. (Of course, they might choose to ignore the prompt, but that’s a different problem!)

To create a fill-in field in Word 2013, do the following:

1. Put your cursor in the document where you want the field to appear
2. In the INSERT bar in the ribbon, choose Quick Parts > Field…

   

3. In the Field dialog, choose Fill-In as the field name, enter the prompt text, and click OK

   

4. Be sure to save your document as a Word Template

   

That’s all there is to it. When you create a new document from the template, you’ll be prompted, and the value will be filled in.

Good stuff!