Forms/Word 2007/Display entire field length

Have created some basic online forms. Now I am tasked with displaying each entire field length (visually somehow) so the user can see approximately how much room they have to enter test. Examples:
Name: Field length highlighted or shaded
Location: Underlining would work to indicate field length
Phone: ( Parenthesis might work )

If I type "Enter Name Here" in Properties, under Default Text, only "Enter Name Here" is shaded. The shading does not extend to the maximum length I selected. The field extends that far, but no indicator of the entire field length. Thanks to everyone for being patient. Attempted to be specific as my question seemed unclear in other unrelated forums. This forum/posting/threads, etc. is new to me. I am 62, so go figure!

Welcome to the Seven Forums.
This is unfamiliar to me, have you tried enter spaces in the chosen field?

Microsoft Office suggests that you do it this way:
Create forms that users complete or print in Word - Word - Office.com

Insert a text fill-in field

Important Spell Check will not flag any errors that are typed in the text form field. If you want to run Spell Check, use the Rich Text control or the Text control.

1. On the Developer tab, in the Controls group, click Legacy Tools.

1. Click Text Form Field.
2. In the Controls group, click Design Mode, and then do any of the following:
   • To add a line under the field, select the field, and then click Underline in the Font group on the Home tab.
   • To limit the amount of information a person can type in the field, set a maximum width by selecting the field, clicking Properties in the Controls group, and entering a value under Maximum length.
   • To make the field look as long as its maximum length, add instructional text by clicking Properties in the Controls group, and typing text, such as Type your first name here, under Default text.

Click to expand...

GREAT find Irene! Thanks for sharing this!

(PS Tried to rep + you but the system wouldn't let me. Sorry.)

Irene, I have read Microsoft's instructions over and over and over thinking I missed a step. Still, when following their instructions, the system will underline only the text I entered in Properties, under Default Text. (Like, Type Name Here). The remainder of the field is blank.

Thanks to both of you for your help. I continue to learn, learn and learn!

westernwitch said:

Irene, I have read Microsoft's instructions over and over and over thinking I missed a step. Still, when following their instructions, the system will underline only the text I entered in Properties, under Default Text. (Like, Type Name Here). The remainder of the field is blank.

Thanks to both of you for your help. I continue to learn, learn and learn!

Click to expand...

Maybe you need to fill the field with, say a series of ........

Thanks again. I had tried all of the above with no successful. Someone mentioned that Word has limited capabilities when it comes to forms....and that I may have to use HTML if I can get the codes. If I were able to do this, it would make a great looking and functional form. We'll see. I don't know where to start.