Are you aware of using the checkbox in Word? Follow this tutorial to see how to use or insert a checkbox in Microsoft Word. Checkboxes are great benefits to documents, especially if you are checking responses. You can also use this as a to-do list, can use it for the surveys. Let’s get started on how to see it.
How to insert a check box in Word Online?
As Word Online has limited functions and formatting options checkboxes will need to be added to documents by using the desktop application. The process to insert a checkbox into a Word document is not straightforward. Hence, it is necessary to start by adding the developer tab in the top ribbon. From there you can insert checkboxes.
To insert a check box in Word Online, follow the below steps.
Show the developer tab in Word
- To show the developer tab in Word on Mac start by clicking on Word on your home screen near the Apple icon.

2. You will have a dropdown menu. From the options click on Preferences

3. From the Word Preferences menu click on Ribbon & Toolbar for more specific options

4. On the right, you will see all the options that are checked – these are the ones that appear in the top ribbon.
5. Scroll down to find Developer.
6. Click on the box next to it. A blue tick will appear. Click on Save.
The developer option will now appear in the top ribbon of the document you are working on.

7. Now that you have the Developer tab active start by clicking where you would like to add the checkbox
8. Now click on the Developer tab.
9. From the options, click on Checkbox.
Repeat the process for every checkbox. Unfortunately, another checkbox will not show up once you hit enter. Follow this process for all the checkboxes. Another checkbox will not appear.
How to insert a checkbox in Word without the developer tab?
Word Online does not have a developer tab. Here is how to add a checkbox to the document you are working on.
- Open the document you would like to work on.
- Click on the spot where you would like to add the checkbox.
- Go to the Home tab in the top ribbon of the document.

4. Under Home, you will see the Bullets option. Click on it for a dropdown menu.

5. You will see the Checkbox option in the dropbox. If, for some reason, it doesn’t appear, click on the Define new bullet.
6. Scroll through the options, and you should see the checkbox. Click on it to insert it into the document.
7. To add another checkbox, just hit enter.
How to insert a Checkbox in Word for Windows?
We have seen how to use the developer tab on a Mac device. Now we will see how to insert a checkbox in Microsoft Word for Windows.
Show the developer tab in Word for Windows
Follow the below steps to enable the developer tab in Word for Windows.
- Click on File at the top of the document to enable the developer tab in Word for Windows.

- Click on Options from the menu.

- Click Customize Ribbon from the Word options.
- Under the Main Tabs, check the Developer check box and click OK.

Here are the steps to insert a checkbox into the document after activating the developer tab.
- Click where you need the list to appear in your document.
- Go to the Developer tab at the top and click the arrow icon then click the checkbox with the tickmark.

Once you have inserted one checkbox, you can copy and paste the checkbox if you require more.
How to check a checkbox in Word
Look at the below steps to check a checkbox in Microsoft Word.
- Click on the checkbox that you would like to edit.
- Right-click on it to open the dropdown menu.
- From the options click on Properties for the menu.

- Under Default values, you will see the Not-ticked and Ticked options. Click on Ticked.
- Once selected click on OK to save the changes.

This can be done to all the checkboxes that need to be edited.
How to create a print-only checklist?
A Print-only checklist cannot be checked off electronically. one that you will need to print and then check manually. This type of list is great for printing to-do lists or tasks for games and other activities. Here are the steps to follow.
- For Word online, click on the spot where you want to add the list.
- Start typing out the list.
- Click on Home in the top ribbon of the document
- Go to the bullets section and click on the arrow for a dropdown menu.
- From the menu, click on the checkbox.
- You can then continue to add items to the list by hitting enter.

These steps can be followed if you are using the desktop version of Word online on both Windows and Mac systems.
Conclusion
This tutorial explained how to insert a check box in Word Online. It also touched upon how to insert a checkbox into a document on Mac and Windows systems. Try the above methods and check it from your end.
You may like the following word online articles:
- How to Check a Checkbox in Word Online
- What is the root symbol in Word Online?
- Where is mailings tab in Word Online?
- How to make a bar graph on Microsoft Word Online?
- How to make a line graph in Word Online?

My name is Carissa Gudino and I am an expert in word online, using Word Online in my day-to-day tasks. In this blog, I will share with you tips and tutorials on how to use word online to its fullest potential. I work for various clients in various countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, etc. My tutorials are designed to help beginners, as well as more experienced users, learn new tricks and tips on Microsoft word online. Check out more.