Template Issues

How to Change Date Picker Content Control Formats in Microsoft Word

Olivia Miller Oct 10, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to provide different date format options for a Date Picker Content Control within a Microsoft Word document template.

How to Change Date Picker Content Control Formats in Microsoft Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating a flexible Word document template where end-users need to select from multiple predefined date formats.
Observed behavior: By default, Word users cannot change a Date Picker Content Control format directly without using Developer tools or relying on macros.

Before you start

Ensure you have the Developer tab enabled in your Word ribbon by going to File > Options > Customize Ribbon, as most date picker and content control customizations require access to these advanced tools.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a Building Blocks Gallery Content Control

This method offers predefined date formats without requiring users to enable macros, making it safer and highly compatible on Windows desktop versions.

By utilizing Building Blocks, you can create multiple pre-formatted date controls and allow users to select their preferred style from a dropdown gallery directly inside the template.

Create customized date fields

Insert several date-picker controls or CreateDate fields into a blank document. Format each one with a different required date format using the Developer tab's Properties menu.

Save as Building Blocks

Highlight each formatted date control, go to Insert > Quick Parts > Save Selection to Quick Part Gallery. Assign them to a specific new category (for example, 'CustomDates').

Insert the Gallery Control

On your actual template, go to the Developer tab and insert a 'Building Block Gallery Content Control'. Click 'Properties' and set the gallery to pull from the 'CustomDates' category you just created.

Use a Building Blocks Gallery Content Control

Macro-Free Solution: This approach avoids macro security warnings, providing a seamless and secure experience for end-users.

Solution 2

Implement a VBA UserForm or Custom Macro

If your environment permits macros, a VBA UserForm can dynamically prompt users to select a date format when they interact with the document.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do date picker content controls work in Word for the web?

Date content controls generally have limited or no functionality in Word for the web and Word on Android. It is highly recommended to use the Windows desktop version of Word for templates relying on these advanced controls.

Can I share macro-enabled templates with date pickers via OneDrive?

Yes, you can share .dotm files through OneDrive or SharePoint. However, users must open the file in the Microsoft Word desktop application and enable macros to use any VBA UserForms attached to the template.

How do I change a date picker's format natively in Word?

If you are the template designer, click on the Date Picker Content Control you wish to modify, navigate to the Developer tab on the ribbon, click Properties, and select your desired date format from the available list.

Document & File Issues