Microsoft Word: need help

[SelArom]

Hi, I want to make a document that has some fields like name, date, etc, but I want there to be blank lines where the people can write in their responses. This document will be printed, so they will be actually writing on the document. I also need to make some that span several lines, like "Brief description of the problem" or something like that. How is this done? I mean besides typing _ over and over

-SelArom

 

[bmacd]

just use the ____________ and copy/paste it.

-=bmacd=-

 

[SelArom]

Originally posted by: bmacd
just use the ____________ and copy/paste it.

-=bmacd=-

is that really the only way? I thought Word would offer a more elegant solution than that! Like putting ..... in the table of contents. you can use that L thingy on the ruler to set the position and fill the dots in for you. is there not an analogous feature for fields?

-SelArom

 

[WW]

Format > borders and shading > horizontal line ?

nah...._______________ is the way to go....just hold down the underline key

 

[fishbits]

I mean besides typing _ over and over

Type spaces over and over, highlight them and click "underline?" Take a screen-shot of the doc without the blank lines, open it with a photo editing program and draw the blank lines in, then paste the image into another document? Wish this was my most pressing problem. Seriously, how much time is this going to take you? How about using the solution that's obvious, fast and works great?

 

[DJFuji]

lol @ fishbits. I hate using underscores too, especially when you have to fill in the form electronically because then you have to remove the underscores before you type anything.

 

[bub]

Click 'Underline' (that's the big U) on your bottom toolbar, then press the 'Tab' key as many times as you need.

 

[ActuaryTm]

Use a table, with the appropriate set borders.

 

[SelArom]

Originally posted by: DJFuji
lol @ fishbits. I hate using underscores too, especially when you have to fill in the form electronically because then you have to remove the underscores before you type anything.

yeah this is another reason I want to know. I mean since it's gonna be printed it doesn't really matter, but sometimes I make papers that must be filled out by typing and erasing is a bitch and a half

Originally posted by: ActuaryTm
Use a table, with the appropriate set borders.

ah now this seems like a viable solution. thanks! remember, laziness breeds invention so there is merit to my complaint.

-SelArom

 

[Buz2b]

If you're going to do several lines (like "describing the problem"), do the first one and copy/paste the rest.

 

[nineball9]

Try formatted Tabs with Underscore leader. Example from Using Microsoft Office 2003:

1) Type in the text, including tab characters, which will comprise the final form. In this case:

Last Name <tab> First Name <tab>
Address <tab>
City <tab> State <tab> Zip <tab>

2) Position the insertion point inside the first paragraph, and choose Format, Tabs. Set two tab stops - a left-aligned tab at 3 inches, with underscore leader (Type 4); and a right-aligned tab at 6 inches with underscore leader.

3) Position the insertion point inside the second paragraph, and set a right-aligned tab at 6 inches, with underscore leader.

4) Position the insertion point in the third paragraph and set three tabs: left-aligned at 3 inches, left-aligned at 4.5 inches, and right-aligned at 6 inches, all with underscore leader.

5) If you want to fine-tune individual lines, click inside the line and then drag tab stop icons on the ruler to whatever position you like.


When I read the book I gave this a try, sort of on a whim. It works great, but can be difficult to remember, so I keep a few samples I created lying around.
Good luck!

 

[SelArom]

Originally posted by: nineball9
Try formatted Tabs with Underscore leader. Example from Using Microsoft Office 2003:

1) Type in the text, including tab characters, which will comprise the final form. In this case:

Last Name <tab> First Name <tab>
Address <tab>
City <tab> State <tab> Zip <tab>

2) Position the insertion point inside the first paragraph, and choose Format, Tabs. Set two tab stops - a left-aligned tab at 3 inches, with underscore leader (Type 4); and a right-aligned tab at 6 inches with underscore leader.

3) Position the insertion point inside the second paragraph, and set a right-aligned tab at 6 inches, with underscore leader.

4) Position the insertion point in the third paragraph and set three tabs: left-aligned at 3 inches, left-aligned at 4.5 inches, and right-aligned at 6 inches, all with underscore leader.

5) If you want to fine-tune individual lines, click inside the line and then drag tab stop icons on the ruler to whatever position you like.


When I read the book I gave this a try, sort of on a whim. It works great, but can be difficult to remember, so I keep a few samples I created lying around.
Good luck!

see this is exactly what I was looking for, and I figured those tab stops could be used, but what about spanning multiple lines? I guess I put put the tab right at the begninng and end? I'll try it later when I'm not feeling lazy. thanks!!

-SelArom

 

[nineball9]

To create a single line, simply enter a <tab> on that line and then format it. Works as a continuation line as well.

For example, I just tried adding a single line after the "Last Name First Name" line. It's simple - enter a <tab> as the only item on the line, select it with the insertion point, then use Format, Tabs. Set a right-aligned tab at 6 inches with underscore leader (for this example). You now have a single fill-in-the-blank line!
Of course you can add more lines this way, and/or change the length of the line and it's starting position.

Good luck!