Create Forms Where Only Fields are Editable

Personally, I prefer to use Excel to create forms. It's much easier to align fields and make the ends of horizontal lines "match up". It's also easy to prevent users from editing anything other than the fields you want them to complete.

First, I set the width of all columns to something like 5 pixels (just for enough columns to fill an 8.5" by 11" sheet). I do this because then it is easier to create and position form fields by joining cells. Then I create my form by positioning text on the page and joining cells to create fields. You can set the border properties on a cell to define a box or an underline.

Next, I format all cells on the sheet to be locked (select all cells, right-click on selection and go to "Format Cells", then choose the Protection tab and ensure the "Locked" box is checked). Then I go back and select all the cells I want users to be able to enter text into (press CTRL as you select each cell to select multiple cells). Go into Format Cells and uncheck the "locked" box.

Finally, in Excel 2007 go to the "Review" tab on the ribbon and click "Protect Workbook". Make sure that *only* the "Select Unlocked Cells" option is checked. You can enter a password if you want, but if you do then you better write it down in case you want to make changes to your form later. I usually don't select a password. Click OK. Now you have a form that will only allow users to enter text in the unlocked cells. If you really want to get fancy, versions of Excel before 2007 allowed you to create drop-down lists, checkboxes, option boxes, and more. I haven't needed to find that yet in Excel 2007.