Document Editing Problems

How to Fix Tab Key Not Moving to Next Field in Word Forms

Tauseeq Magsi Oct 1, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user is unable to navigate between Word form fields using the Tab key and sees unexpected I-shaped symbols inside the document.

How to Fix Word Forms When the Tab Key Skips Fields

Product: Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Filling out or creating a fillable document form in Microsoft Word.
Observed behavior: Pressing the Tab key inserts a tab space instead of moving the cursor to the next form field. Additionally, an I-shaped symbol appears which acts like a bookmark rather than an interactive form field.

Before you start

Ensure the Developer tab is enabled on your Word ribbon, as you will need it to inspect and modify the properties of your document's content controls.

Solution 1Recommended

Replace Rich Text Controls with Plain Text Controls

Rich Text content controls trap the Tab key, inserting a tab space instead of moving to the next field. Replacing them with Plain Text controls restores the standard Tab navigation.

When designing a form, it is crucial to use the correct type of content control. Rich text allows for multiple paragraphs and formatting, meaning the Tab key acts as a formatting tool (inserting a tab space). Plain text restricts formatting, allowing the Tab key to successfully jump to the next available field.

Inspect Control Properties

Click on the problematic form field. Navigate to the Developer tab on the ribbon and click 'Properties' in the Controls group to verify if it is set as a Rich Text control.

Delete the Rich Text Control

Select the entire Rich Text content control that is trapping your cursor and press the Delete key on your keyboard to remove it.

Insert a Plain Text Control

Place your cursor where the field should be. On the Developer tab, click the 'Plain Text Content Control' icon (usually depicted as 'Aa') to insert the correct field type.

Replace Rich Text Controls with Plain Text Controls

Test Your Form: After replacing the fields, restrict the document editing to 'Filling in forms' to properly test if the Tab key moves smoothly from one Plain Text control to the next.

Solution 2

Hide Bookmark Indicators to Prevent Confusion

The confusing I-shaped symbols or text enclosed in square brackets are bookmark indicators, not broken form fields. Hiding them clarifies the visual layout of your form.

Create Fillable Forms Easily

Use WPS Office to Build Seamless Fillable Forms

Avoid form navigation issues by using WPS Writer to create well-structured, professional forms. WPS Office provides intuitive developer tools that ensure smooth Tab key navigation and perfect compatibility with Microsoft Word documents.

1. Enable the Developer Tab: Open your document in WPS Writer. Go to Menu > Options > Customize Ribbon and ensure the Developer tab is checked.
2. Insert Form Fields: Navigate to the Developer tab and click on the 'Form Fields' drop-down to insert compatible Plain Text or Checkbox controls into your document.
3. Protect the Document: Click 'Protect Document' in the Developer tab, set the restriction to 'Filling in forms', and save. Your Tab key will now navigate perfectly between fields.

Smooth Tab key navigation through form fields without trapping the cursorFull format compatibility with Microsoft Word (.docx) forms and controlsFree and lightweight alternative for document editing and creationFamiliar user interface with an easy-to-use Developer tab

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Tab key add a space instead of moving to the next field?

This happens if your form uses a Rich Text content control. Rich Text allows formatting elements like tab spaces and paragraph breaks. To fix this, replace it with a Plain Text content control, which natively supports moving to the next field when Tab is pressed.

What is the I-shaped symbol appearing in my Word form?

The I-shaped (or I-beam) symbol is a single-point bookmark indicator, not a form field. It appears when the 'Show Bookmarks' setting is enabled in Word's advanced options.

Why does some text in my form have square brackets around it?

Square brackets indicate a bookmark that spans across selected text. Like the I-shaped symbol, these can be hidden by going to File > Options > Advanced, and unchecking 'Show bookmarks' under the 'Show document content' section.

Document & File Issues