How to Insert a Check Mark or Clickable Checkbox in Word

Word supports two different kinds of checkboxes. Use a static symbol such as ✓ or ☑ for a document that will be printed or read only. Use a Check Box Content Control when someone needs to click the box in the Word file. Choosing the right type avoids a common problem: a symbol looks like a checkbox but cannot be toggled.

Insert a static checkbox with Unicode and Alt+X

This method works in desktop Word for Windows. Type a Unicode code, then press Alt+X immediately after it. On a Mac or in Word for the web, use Insert > Symbol or copy and paste the character instead.

Step 1: Place the cursor before the list item or other text.

Place the cursor before a list item in Word

Step 2: Type 2612 for a ballot box with an X (☒).

Type Unicode code 2612 in Word

Step 3: Press Alt+X. Word converts the code to ☒. Copy the resulting character if it is needed on several lines.

Ballot box with X inserted by Alt+X

For an empty ballot box, use 2610.

Type Unicode code 2610 for an empty ballot box

Press Alt+X to convert it to ☐.

Empty ballot box character in Word

For a ballot box with a check, type 2611 and press Alt+X.

Type Unicode code 2611 for a checked ballot box

Checked ballot box character in Word

Because these are text characters, you can change their color, font size, and alignment like other text. A font must contain the chosen symbol or Word may display a missing-character box.

Change the font color of a checkbox symbol

Insert a check mark from the Symbol dialog

Step 1: Place the cursor, then choose Insert > Symbol > More Symbols.

Open More Symbols in Microsoft Word

Step 2: Select a font that contains check marks, such as Segoe UI Symbol, Wingdings, or Wingdings 2. Choose the symbol and click Insert. A standard Unicode check mark is preferable when the file will be shared across different systems.

Select a check mark in the Word Symbol dialog

The symbol appears at the cursor. Format or copy it as needed.

Static check mark inserted in Word

A boxed symbol is suitable for a printed form, but clicking it in Word will not switch its state.

Static boxed check mark for a printed Word form

Create a clickable checkbox in Word

Clickable boxes require the desktop app’s Developer tools. Word for the web can display many content controls but may not provide the same authoring options.

In Word for Windows, go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon. On a Mac, open Word’s ribbon preferences.
Enable Developer in the main tabs and confirm.
Place the cursor where the box belongs.
Open Developer and select Check Box Content Control.

Clickable checkbox content control in Word

With the content control selected, choose Properties to change its title, tag, locking behavior, and checked or unchecked symbols. Do not lock the control against editing if recipients need to toggle it.

Open properties for a Word checkbox control

Legacy form-field checkboxes

Older Word templates may use a legacy checkbox form field. Its Options dialog can set an exact box size, but this is different from the modern content control. Use legacy fields mainly when maintaining an existing template that already depends on them.

Set an exact size for a legacy Word checkbox field

Legacy checkbox displayed at a larger size

Legacy form fields may need document protection enabled for form filling before users can toggle them. For a new form, a Check Box Content Control is usually easier to configure and maintain.

Fix common checkbox problems

Alt+X does nothing: place the cursor directly after the code, use desktop Word for Windows, or select the code first.
The symbol changes when opened elsewhere: use a Unicode symbol font rather than relying on a Wingdings character mapping.
The box cannot be clicked: it is probably a static character; insert a content control from the Developer tab.
The control cannot be changed: review its locking settings and any Restrict Editing protection applied to the document.