#Document content control microsoft word update

After the user chooses an option from the dropdown (a class) and exits the dropdown, a VBA procedure will update three textbox content controls within the body of the document with the class and professor’s name and the student limit. We’ll use the combo box content control dropdown to offer a few choices to the document user. I recommend using content controls when possible because legacy controls may disappear with little notice.įigure A Use the content controls when possible. As you can see in Figure A, there are several content controls and legacy controls are still available.

#Document content control microsoft word how to

How to add a dropdown content control in WordĪll controls are available via Word’s Developer tab. The best way to learn about content controls is to use them, so that’s what we’ll do next. Similar to legacy controls, you can automate the control using VBA (Visual Basic for Applications), but you’ll use a VBA event procedure instead of a control property as you do with Word’s legacy controls. When you do this, you create what’s known as dependent controls.Ĭontent controls have many properties and are similar to the legacy controls but can be easier to work with and format. By inserting content controls, you can change the few instances of content that need to change.īy connecting these controls, you can update them all with one control. You’ll use these types of documents when very little in the document changes from one use to another.

A structured document controls where content appears within the document. What’s a content control in Word?Ĭontent controls in Word are containers for content that let users build structured documents.

#Document content control microsoft word windows 10

I’m using Microsoft 365 on a Windows 10 64-bit system, but you can use earlier versions down to Word 2010. SEE: Windows, Linux, and Mac commands everyone needs to know (free PDF) (TechRepublic) You can easily modify the controls if necessary and, you can download the demo files. When you choose a class from the dropdown, the dependent text controls will update with the class name, the professor and the student limit in the body of the document. Within the body of the document, we’ll add three textbox context controls. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to populate a content control dropdown with class names. When you find yourself needing this type of document, consider using Word’s content controls to update dependent controls based on the results of another. Relying on sight to manually modify the content that changes risks typos and missed updates. For instance, you might send out a generic contract or proposal that updates client information and the fee structure, while the rest of the content remains the same. Most of us work with at least one Microsoft Word document that changes very little. Top Tech Conferences & Events to Add to Your Calendar in 2023 TIOBE Index for October 2023: Top 10 Most Popular Programming Languages Image: Adobe Stock What's hot at TechRepublicĬhatGPT cheat sheet: Complete guide for 2023 Microsoft Word’s content controls make it easier than ever to use dependent controls in your templates to update content all at once.