Document Editing Problems

How to Add a Word Table Row with Prefilled Content

Rana Garcia Sep 28, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user wants to add new rows to a Word table that automatically contain repeated or prefilled content, ideally by clicking a button, to avoid manual copying and pasting.

How to Add a Word Table Row with Prefilled Content

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating dynamic forms or structured tables where multiple rows require identical structural content or prefilled data.
Observed behavior: The user currently has to manually copy and paste rows to duplicate the prefilled information, which is inefficient and disrupts workflow.

Before you start

Ensure you have the Developer tab enabled in your Word ribbon, as both content controls and macros require access to these advanced tools.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Repeating Section Content Control

This is the best native method for Word 2013 and later, allowing you to click a plus icon to duplicate a row's contents instantly.

The Repeating Section Content Control wraps around your selected table row and adds a dedicated button to your document. Whenever this button is clicked, an identical row with the same prefilled content is generated directly below it.

Enable the Developer Tab

Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon. In the right-hand column, check the box next to 'Developer' and click OK.

Select the Target Row

Highlight the entire table row containing the prefilled content that you wish to duplicate.

Insert the Content Control

Navigate to the Developer tab on your ribbon. In the 'Controls' group, click on 'Repeating Section Content Control'.

Add New Rows

A plus (+) icon will now appear next to the selected row. Click this button anytime to instantly insert a new row with the exact same prefilled data.

Use the Repeating Section Content Control

Feature Compatibility: This method does not require any coding or macros and is perfectly safe to share in standard .docx format.

Solution 2

Create a VBA Macro to Duplicate Rows

A great workaround for older versions of Word or if you prefer using keyboard shortcuts to instantly copy and paste the current row.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Repeating Section Content Control work in older versions of Word?

No, this specific content control was introduced in Microsoft Word 2013. If you are using Word 2010 or earlier, you will need to rely on VBA macros or manual copying and pasting.

Why can't I see the Developer tab in Word?

The Developer tab is hidden by default to keep the interface clean. You can display it by navigating to File > Options > Customize Ribbon, and checking the box next to 'Developer' in the right-hand column.

Will my row-duplicating macro work if I send the document to someone else?

Macros only function if the document is saved as a Macro-Enabled Document (.docm) and the recipient explicitly allows macros to run in their Trust Center security settings when opening the file.

Document & File Issues