Document Editing Problems

How to Automatically Add a Date Picker to New Word Table Rows

Maira Mehtab Oct 1, 2026 876 views

Question details

The user wants to automatically copy a Date Picker content control into new table rows instead of inserting it manually every time.

How to Automatically Add a Date Picker to New Word Table Rows

Product: Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating dynamic forms or tables where new rows require a predefined Date Picker control for data entry.
Observed behavior: Pressing the Tab key to add a new row creates empty cells without copying the Date Picker from the previous row.

Before you start

Ensure the Developer tab is enabled in your word processor's ribbon menu, as you will need access to advanced Content Control features to set this up.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a Repeating Section Content Control

Wrap your table row in a Repeating Section Content Control to duplicate its formatting and controls, including the Date Picker, whenever a new row is added.

By default, pressing the Tab key at the end of a Word table only duplicates the row's physical structure, not the interactive content controls inside it. To make the Date Picker automatically duplicate, you must use a specific Developer tool called the Repeating Section Content Control.

Enable the Developer Tab

If the Developer tab is not visible on your ribbon, go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon. In the right pane, check the box next to 'Developer' and click OK.

Create the Initial Table Structure

Insert a table (for example, a three-column table) and complete the first row to serve as your template.

Insert the Date Picker

Click inside the first cell of the row, navigate to the Developer tab, and click the 'Date Picker Content Control' icon to insert it into the cell.

Apply the Repeating Section

Select the entire completed row. On the Developer tab, locate the Controls group and click the 'Repeating Section Content Control' button.

Add New Rows Dynamically

A small plus (+) button will now appear on the right side of the repeating section. Click this plus button to add a new row; the new row will automatically include the Date Picker and the exact structural formatting.

Avoid Using the Tab Key: When using a Repeating Section Content Control, always use the plus (+) button rather than the Tab key to ensure the new rows generate with all form controls perfectly intact.

Advanced Form Controls

Easily Create Dynamic Fillable Forms with WPS Writer

WPS Office offers a comprehensive set of Developer tools, allowing you to easily insert Date Pickers, checkboxes, and drop-down lists into your tables with high compatibility.

1. Open WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open a new or existing document where you want to create your fillable table.
2. Access Developer Tools: Navigate to the Insert or Developer tab to find the Form Controls suite.
3. Insert Form Fields: Select the Date Picker or other interactive content controls and insert them directly into your table cells.
4. Save as .docx: Save your document in the standard .docx format to ensure the form controls remain interactive and perfectly compatible across different platforms.

Free and lightweight office suiteHighly compatible with Microsoft Word .docx form formatsIntuitive Developer tab for managing advanced form controlsSeamless document formatting and editing experience

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't the Tab key copy the Date Picker to the new row?

Pressing the Tab key at the end of a table only instructs the word processor to create a blank row with the same cell dimensions and borders. It does not duplicate the text or interactive Content Controls inside the original cells.

Can I use Repeating Sections for other content controls like Drop-Down lists?

Yes, a Repeating Section Content Control will duplicate any text, formatting, and other interactive content controls—such as Drop-Down Lists, Plain Text fields, or Checkboxes—that are placed inside the selected row.

Is the Repeating Section Content Control compatible with older versions of Word?

Repeating Section Content Controls were introduced in Office 2013. If you save the document and open it in a 2010 or earlier version, the repeating functionality (the plus button) will not work, though the existing data will remain visible.

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