Ever found yourself in need of gathering feedback or data, but lacked the tools or complexity that online survey platforms offered? You'd be surprised to learn that you can create a survey right in your Microsoft Word document. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create a survey in Word, ensuring you reach the audience you need, while keeping it simple and accessible.
Before we dive into the creation process, let's address the elephant in the room. Yes, Word isn't typically the go-to for creating surveys, but with its widespread use and the inclusion of a Forms feature, it's a practical and accessible option. Plus, you can't beat the familiarity and ease of use if you're already proficient in Word.
Setting Up Your Survey in Word
To begin, open Microsoft Word and select "Blank Document." Then, click on the "Developer" tab. If you don't see it, follow these steps to enable it: File > Options > Customize Ribbon > Check 'Developer' in the right pane.
With the Developer tab active, click on "Forms" in the 'Controls' group. You'll see multiple types of form fields appear in the ribbon. These are the building blocks of your survey. Let's explore the essential fields.
Text Inputs
Want respondents to enter names, email addresses, or any free text? Use the 'Text Box' option. For more structured text, like answers to open-ended questions, use 'Rich Text Content Control.'
To add, simply click on the desired option, then click-drag in your document where you want the field. A small dialog box will pop up; title it appropriately and set the required field status if necessary.
Multiple Choice Questions
For questions with pre-set answers, use the 'Dropdown List' or 'Checkbox' options. With 'Dropdown List,' respondents will choose from a list of options that drop down when they click on the field. 'Checkbox' allows for multiple selections.
To add options, click on the field, then select 'Properties' in the ribbon. In the dialog box that appears, add your options under 'Choice Properties.' Click 'Ok' when you're done.
Formatting and Sending Your Word Survey
Now that you've created your survey, you'll want to make it look presentable. Use the 'Styles' and 'Formatting' options in the 'Home' tab to create a clean, readable survey.
Once satisfied with your format and questions, it's time to share your survey. Click on the 'File' tab > 'Share' > 'Email' to send the survey directly via Outlook. If you prefer a more modern approach, save your document as a PDF and share it through your preferred cloud-based platform.
Collecting and Analyzing Responses
Respondents will fill out the survey in Word, then click 'Protect' in the 'Developer' tab to save their responses. They can also click the 'Submit' button if you've added one.
To collect and analyze results, click on the 'Data' tab in the 'Sort & Filter' group, then 'Manage Responses.' A dialog box will appear displaying all responses. Right-click and select 'Copy' to paste into a spreadsheet for easier analysis.
And there you have it! With these steps, you've successfully created and shared a survey using Microsoft Word. So, the next time you need to gather feedback or data, remember that the tools you need may already be at your fingertips. Happy surveying!