How to Create a Survey in Microsoft Word

Do you need to create a survey but find yourself short on time or preferred tools? Microsoft Word, a staple in many offices worldwide, might just be the solution you're looking for. Despite not being a surveys-specific tool, Word offers versatile features that enable you to create well-structured, attractive, and professional surveys. Let's delve into the process of creating surveys in Microsoft Word.

Before we begin, ensure you're using a Microsoft Word application. This guide focuses on the desktop version, which provides more comprehensive functionality than the online version.

Setting Up Your Survey Document

Start by opening a new blank document in Microsoft Word and setting up the basic elements for your survey.

A decent survey layout includes a title, instructions, questions, and space for respondents to fill in their answers. Keep the design clean and simple to avoid confusing respondents.

Formatting Your Survey Title

Begin by creating an eye-catching title for your survey. A large, bold font with sufficient white space around it will help it stand out.

To format your title, select the text, then click on the 'Home' tab in the ribbon and choose your desired font style, size, and color. You can also adjust the text alignment to center, left, or right.

Including Instructions and Adding Questions

Next, provide clear instructions for respondents, such as what the survey aims to achieve, the estimated time for completion, and how their responses will be used.

Once you've added the instructions, you can start creating your questions. Break them up into sections and use headers to separate categories. For example, if you're conducting a customer satisfaction survey, you might have sections for 'Products', 'Services', and 'General Feedback'.

Designing Questions for Word Surveys

Word offers several question types, so choose the one that best fits your needs. You have options like text boxes for open-ended questions, check boxes for multiple-choice, or drop-down lists for single-choice.

Use the numbering feature ( formatting > bullet or numbering) to automatically number your questions and maintain a consistent structure throughout your survey.

Creating Text Boxes for Open-Ended Questions

Open-ended questions are ideal for gathering detailed feedback. To add a text box, switch to the 'Developer' tab (access it from the 'File' menu if it's not already visible), then click on the 'Controls' group and select 'Text Box'.

Position the text box cursor where you want the text box to appear, then start typing your question. You can adjust the size of the box by dragging its edges.

Using Check Boxes and Drop-Down Lists

For multiple-choice or single-choice questions, use check boxes or drop-down lists. To insert a check box, go to the 'Developer' tab, then click the 'Controls' group and select 'Check Box'. Follow the same steps mentioned above to position and adjust its size.

To create a drop-down list, follow these steps: Select the 'Developer' tab > 'Controls' group > 'Combo Box'. Position and adjust the size, then click the 'Complex' button (small arrow) at the top of the list. In the 'Properties' window, enter your answer choices, separated by semicolons (_;_). Type "True" or "False" at the end to enable the list to function as a drop-down.

Proofreading and Distributing Your Survey

Once you've set up your survey, proofread it thoroughly to ensure all questions are accurate, clear, and logically ordered.

Distribute your survey by saving it as a PDF file (File > Save As > PDF), then share it via email as an attachment, upload it to your company intranet, or use a file-sharing website like Google Drive or OneDrive.

Creating surveys in Microsoft Word requires a bit more manual effort than using dedicated survey tools, but it's a viable method for small-scale surveys. Plus, it's an excellent way to utilize your existing software and avoid using an extra tool. Once you've mastered the process, you'll find it's a breeze to create professional and efficient surveys within Word.