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How to make a form of any kind in Microsoft Excel? step by step guide

UPDATED ✅ Do you want to know how to make forms of all kinds using Microsoft Excel tools? ⭐ ENTER HERE ⭐ and Learn all about it

It is of the utmost importance know how to make a form of any type in Microsoft Excel. Forms are one of the best methods for enter data into a spreadsheet. They meet the goal of to ease capturing, organizing and editing information.

However, it is important to know that a custom form is not the same as a templatebecause the templates already have a default layout in which they should only replace data or information fields according to your needs.

While a custom form contains boxes, controls, or dropdown lists that facilitate the creators of the same the specification and edition of the data. To know how to make a form in Excelcontinue reading.

Excel tools to make forms What are the best out there?

Excel tools to make forms What are the best out there?



The most interesting thing about the creating forms in Excelis that it allows the user create such documents in various waysregardless of whether they will be in print or online.

Let’s look at several types:

  • Printed Forms: These usually contain labels, formats, whitespace, and instructions for writing data. With the help of Excel and from its templates, you will be able to elaborate printed forms.
  • Online Forms: they have the same characteristics as a printed onebut with the difference that this online version contain controls. The Controls are objects that allow you to display data, modify it or perform various actions on them. In this way, they make the form be easier to use.
  • Templates: templates are pre-designed documents that simplify the process of preparing a form. Templates are primarily available for printed forms. They can be obtained from template office portaland you just need to load them into the spreadsheet.

Steps to create any type of form using Microsoft Excel

Steps to create any type of form using Microsoft Excel

First of all, it should be mentioned that There are three types of forms what can you create in excel. Each one fulfills a specific purpose.

Therefore, we will explain the steps to create any type of form using Microsoft Excel:

Of data

This is the most common of all And allows write or display an entire row of information within a table or range and does not require a horizontal scroll. For this reason, they are easier to use and are recommended when you do not require custom features.

Microsoft Excel has the ability to automatically generate a data formintegrated for a table or range. Its visualization is very comfortable, because displays all column headers as labels within a single dialog.

Each label has a blank text box adjacent, where the user can transcribe the data corresponding to each columnup to a maximum of 32 columns.

As additional information, with this type of forms you can write new rows, search for them, scroll through them, update them, or delete them. In case one cell contains a formulathe result will be displayed in the Data Formbut it cannot be changed through said form.

A clear example in which this type of document is used is for create a contact form.

The way to do it is as follows:

  • open the program of Microsoft Excel.
  • Create the labels in the header of the spreadsheet.
  • add bordersdesigns or colors to customize the form.
  • select all tags and the bottom row.
  • go to “Insert”.
  • Click on “Table”.
  • In the pop-up window, check the box “The table has headers”. Next, press “To accept”.
  • Now it’s time to create the form of data. Sign in to “Records”.
  • click on “Options”.
  • In the pop-up window, select “Quick Access Toolbar”.
  • Locate the drop-down menu “Commands available in:”.
  • Choose the option of “Commands that are not available on the ribbon”.
  • Normally, the forms command in excel is disabled by default. In the command listsearch “Forms” and double-click, or tap “Add”. Finally, press “To accept”.
  • Go back to select all header tags again in the spreadsheet.
  • go to the Quick-access tool bar and press the command “Form”.
  • A new pop-up window will appear on the screen. Its about form where you can enter the data, delete information, search for criteriaamong other options.

Spreadsheets with ActiveX and form controls

They are forms that are mostly used to carry out surveys or exams through the Internet.. They are characterized by the use of buttons and commands that perform automated functions. You may visualize data in the spreadsheet grids. In addition, you have the possibility to use the cells such as text boxes, add a format, among other customization options.

The spreadsheets behave like a simple data entry form. Nevertheless, you can give it more flexibility with the use of controls. These controls are linked to cellsso there is no need to use programming codes.

There are two types of controls in Excel:

  • controls of form
  • controls Active X.

The form controls are those that are used to easily interact with the data entered in a cell. Likewise, also run a macro when binding it to a form control.

Secondly, ActiveX controls can be used with both VBA codes, or without them. Its purpose is to contribute greater flexibility that that offered by the form controls. Also, you can personalize its appearance, behavior and source.

Once added, the user will be able to adjust and rearrange controls in multiple ways to simplify the design of the form.

The process for displaying form and ActiveX controls is as follows:

  • Start by opening the tab “Programmer”. Normally, it is disabled by default.
  • Right click on the ribbon. Then press “Customize the Ribbon”. A popup window will open.
  • Similarly, you can also press “Records”press “options” and finally “Customize the Ribbon”.
  • In the new window, go to the menu on the right side and check the box “Programmer”. To finish, press “To accept”.
  • the tab of “Programmer” will appear on the ribbon, between the tabs of “View” Y “Accessories”.
  • Create the labels in the spreadsheet corresponding to the form.
  • In section “Programmer”press “Insert” to add form or ActiveX controls.
  • Select any control: Combo box, check box, dropdown list, etc. Locate the controller on the spreadsheet.
  • If necessary, press the button “Properties”which is right next to “Insert” to adjust the parameters of the controls.
  • Add shape to the form and integrate document security on the tab “Check”. Clicking on “Protect sheet” to give you a password against third-party editing.

Userform in VBA

The user formsor UserForm, are custom dialog boxes generated by Excelwith which you can run one or more form or ActiveX controls to get the information written by the users.



When using UserFormsalso it is possible to opt for the advanced functions of the forms. This includes add multiple boxes to all the elements arranged in the spreadsheet or provide a different button to each character.

The tool VBA either Visual Basic for Applicationsis the most complex method for make forms in excel.

Start with:

  • Open the VBA window. You can do it from the tab “Programmer”clicking on the button “VisualBasic” or by pressing the keys ALT+F11.
  • In the new window, click “Insert”. Then press “UserForm”.
  • A screen will appear blank form and the toolbox with the controls.
  • Use the toolbox to add labels, text boxes, buttons, drop-down menus, among others.
  • when you have added controllerdouble click to enter programming codes that correspond to the buttons or text boxes.
  • Make sure the routes are well linked. Upon completion, close the Visual Basic window. The spreadsheet will act as a database.
  • You may add an ActiveX button on the sheet to quickly access the form. You just have to use the code: “UserForm1” (or the name of the form) followed by a period (.) and the term “Show” (Show), all together.

List of the best form templates that you can use in Microsoft Excel

List of the best form templates that you can use in Microsoft Excel

Excel templates are freeand you can get them from the official Templates Office portal: “https://templates.office.com” where you will find a wide variety of themes, templates and layouts for both Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

If you need view and manage form data in an organized way, a template is your best option.

Here is a list of the best form templates that you can use in Microsoft Excel.

Weekly task scheduling

Manage your tasks with this simple and very practical template for Microsoft Excel.

Download Excel Weekly Task Schedule Template

Shopping list

Take control over the purchases and expenses made for the home.

Download Excel Shopping List Template

sports record

lovers of sports need to keep track of their physical activity. Visualize your progress with this template.

Download Excel Sports Registration Template

biannual calendar

Manage and keep track about your next academic activities. Specially designed for educational environments.

Download Semiannual Calendar Excel Template

credit card tracking

Makes track your expenses with the credit card to always be up to date with your finance.

Download Excel Credit Card Tracking Template

warehouse inventory

Is a template designed for managers of markets or small stores. Enter the products you have sold or missing to sellits costs, and so on.

Download Excel Warehouse Inventory Template

weekly meal plan

Yes you are on a dietyou should do a meal plan for the week. In this way, you will know exactly what you have consumed and how you can vary the dishes each day.

Download Excel Weekly Meal Plan Template

book collection list

The book collectors need to have a document on hand about the books they own. This template is exactly what they are looking for.

Download Excel Book Collection List Template

House Contents Inventory List

Manage your household possessions like this nice template.

Download House Contents Inventory Excel Template

Organization phone list

Organize your customers’ phone numbersand other data of interest, with a pre-designed template for Microsoft Excell.

Download Organization Phone List Excel Template

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