WD: How to Create a Checked/Blank Check Box Using FILLIN Fields

• Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 2.0, 2.0a, 2.0a-CD, 2.0b, 2.0c, 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0c
• Microsoft Word for Windows 95, versions 7.0, 7.0a
• Microsoft Word for the Macintosh, versions 6.0, 6.0.1, 6.0.1a
• Microsoft Word for Windows NT, version 6.0
• Microsoft Word 97 for Windows
• Microsoft Word 98 Macintosh Edition

SUMMARY

In Microsoft Word, you can nest a FILLIN field in an EQ field to create a check box that prompts you to check the box or leave it blank.

MORE INFORMATION

The EQ field includes an \x switch that places a box around the field results. By nesting a FILLIN field in the EQ field as shown below, you can create a selected check box by pressing "X" (without the quotation marks). To create an unchecked check box, press the SPACEBAR.

   {EQ \x ({FILLIN "Press X to check the box; press SPACEBAR
   to leave it blank"})}

If you do not press the SPACEBAR to create an unchecked check box, the box is very small. To ensure that your check box is the same width whether you check it or leave it blank, format the EQ field for a non- proportional font such as Courier.

NOTE: This does not work if the EQ field wraps to a second line. The EQ field correctly creates a check box if the entire field is on the same line.