How to create a fillable form in google sheets

Google Docs is one of the most popular tools for creating documents online. And despite being a simple document editor, you can use it to create templates, brochures, and even cover letters. And if you are stuck with this online editor, you can even create a fillable form in Google Form to some extent. Of course, the form won’t be as dynamic as the ones created using Microsoft Word, Google Forms, or Microsoft Forms, but it will get you by.

Select Template gallery to view Google's assortment of premade templates. 

Note: If you can't find Template gallery, select the menu icon (

≡) in the top-left corner of the Google Docs home screen > Settings > Display recent templates on home screens > OK.

How to create a template in Google Docs 

If Google's premade templates just aren't cutting it, you can also create a brand new template. 

1. From the Google Docs home page, under Start a new document, select Blank. Or, if you have an existing document you'd like to turn into a template, copy and paste it into a new document, and save it under a unique title. You'll need this later.

   

2. Create your new template. 

   

   Note: Google Docs doesn't include placeholders for the text or images you'll replace when using the template. Instead, you can type something you'll remember to replace—perhaps XX for dates or NAME for a spot where you'll type a name.

   Tip: Want to make sure you don't forget to replace any of your placeholder text? Try this journalist trick: Use the text TK and a short description of the field that needs to be updated as your placeholder. To remind yourself where the placeholder text begins and ends, bookend the text with brackets [ ]. For example, [TK name] or [TK insert image]. When you're ready to edit the document, simply search for TK. (TK is handy because it appears in very few words in the English language.)

3. Save the document with a unique title.

4. From the Google Docs home screen, select Template gallery > your organization's name > Submit template.

   

   Note: You can only submit a template if you have permission from your organization to modify the sharing settings of your template.

5. In the Submit a template window that appears, click Select a document > choose the desired template > click Open. 

   

6. Back in the Submit a template window, you'll also need to select a category for your file. Click Submit. 

   

   To find your new template, go to Template gallery > your organization's name.

How to create a template in Google Docs with a personal Google account

If you have a personal Google account—not a Google Workspace account for organizations—you can't save your Google Docs as an "official" template, but you can get creative. 

1. Create your document as if it's a template, and save it with a unique title. For example, Template: Weekly to-do list. 

2. When you need to use the template, open the file from your Google Drive > File > Make a copy. 

   

3. Rename the document, store it in the appropriate folder, and click Make a copy.  

   

You're all set! Just repeat those steps every time you need to use your makeshift template.

Autopopulate your Google Docs templates with Zapier 

Some templates are chock-full of TK fields (those fields that need to be filled out). And if your templates are so critical that you can't risk inputting information incorrectly, you'll want to automate the process. 

How do I create a fillable text box in Google Sheets?

Does Google have a fillable form?

How do I create a form in Google Sheets?