Word 2007 Template Instructions
Overview for Microsoft Office 2007
  • Enable the developer tab
  • Make sure that all the grey form-fields have been filled in with unique text
  • Protect the form when changing fields, unprotect the form when altering template
  • Before submitting the document, turn off form-field shading

Detailed Instructions for Microsoft Office 2007

  • Enable the Developer tab
    1. Click the Microsoft Office Button Microsoft Word Button Image, and then click Word Options.
    2. Click Popular.
    3. Select the Show Developer tab in the Ribbon check box, and then click OK.
  • Make sure that all the grey form-fields have been filled in with unique text
    1. Fillable form fields have default text in them and are grayed out like this: Grey Form Fields
    2. Lock the form so that you don't mess up the templates when trying to fill it in.
    3. Replace the default text for the field with the relevant information about your thesis.
  • Protect the form when changing fields, unprotect the form when altering template
    1. When ready to fill out a template, make sure the form is locked by restricting formatting and editing. This option is available in the Review tab of the ribbon: Review tab - Protect Document
    2. In the wizard menu, check Allow only this type of editing in the document and select Filling in forms.
    3. Press the Yes, Start enforcing protection button: Enabling Protection
    4. If the document is locked, you will not be able to modify anything outside of form fields.
    5. Follow the same process to unprotect the form, but instead press the Stop Protection button.
  • Before submitting the document, turn off form-field shading
    1. Before submitting, turn off form fields so that the gray shading doesn't show.
    2. Under the developer ribbon, find the form field shading button under the Legacy Tools button: Legacy tools and shading buttons
    3. Click the form field shading button to toggle the gray.