How to Add a Drop-Down List in Word (2026)
A drop-down list turns a Word document into a fillable form where users pick from preset choices instead of typing. It lives behind the Developer tab. Here’s how to add one, set its options, and lock the form.
1. Turn On the Developer Tab
- File > Options > Customize Ribbon.
- Check Developer in the right column, then click OK. (On Mac: Word > Preferences > Ribbon & Toolbar > check Developer.)
2. Insert the Drop-Down List
- Click where you want the field.
- On the Developer tab, click the Drop-Down List Content Control (or Combo Box if you also want users to type a custom value).
3. Add the Choices
- Click the control, then Developer > Properties.
- Under Drop-Down List Properties, click Add.
- Type a Display Name for each option and click OK. Repeat for every choice.
- Use Move Up / Move Down to reorder, then OK.
4. Protect the Form
So users can only choose options, not edit the document:
- Developer > Restrict Editing.
- Check Allow only this type of editing and choose Filling in forms.
- Click Yes, Start Enforcing Protection and optionally set a password.
5. Drop-Down vs. Combo Box
- Drop-Down List Content Control — users must pick a listed option.
- Combo Box Content Control — users pick an option or type their own value.
Choose based on whether free text should be allowed.
6. Troubleshooting
There’s no Developer tab
Enable it under File > Options > Customize Ribbon (Preferences on Mac).
Users can’t open the drop-down
The form isn’t protected for filling. Turn on Restrict Editing > Filling in forms.
My choices don’t appear
Re-open Properties and confirm each option was added under Drop-Down List Properties, not left blank.
Word for the web won’t show the control
Content controls require the desktop app to create. The web app can display a .docx that already contains them but can’t add new ones.
Related Word guides: How to insert a checkbox · How to create a table · How to do a mail merge · How to add comments · How to insert a text box
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