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How to Insert a Checkbox in Word

Follow these steps in order to add a clickable checkbox to your document.

  1. Enable the "Developer" tab

    Under "File β†’ Options β†’ Customize Ribbon," check "Developer" to show it on the ribbon.

  2. Place your cursor where the checkbox should go

    Position the cursor in front of the checklist item.

  3. Click "Developer" then the Check Box Content Control

    On the "Developer" tab, click the checkbox-shaped icon to insert a clickable check box.

  4. Click to check it off

    Clicking the inserted checkbox shows a checkmark to mark it complete.

  5. Why it is useful

    It is useful for building documents like packing lists or to-do lists where you need to track what is done.

Build a real checklist document

If you manage a packing list or to-do list as a document, adding clickable checkboxes lets you mark items done directly on screen without printing anything.

An automatic table of contents pairs well with this too

For a longer checklist document split into multiple sections, adding an automatic table of contents on top makes it much easier for readers to jump to the section they need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do checkboxes print correctly on paper?

Yes β€” checkboxes print just like regular characters, so the document can also be printed out and checked off by hand.

Can I insert a checkbox without the Developer tab?

You can insert a static checkbox-shaped symbol using the Symbol feature, but a checkbox you can actually click to check requires the Developer tab's Check Box Content Control.