Document Editing Problems

How to Replace ActiveX Radio Buttons in Word Documents

Camila Milosovich Oct 12, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user needs a method to replace functional ActiveX radio buttons in a document, as standard text replacement methods do not work on these controls.

How to Replace ActiveX Radio Buttons in Word Documents

Product: Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Editing a document containing interactive radio buttons that need to be removed or replaced with alternative controls such as check boxes.
Observed behavior: Word's standard Find and Replace tool fails to identify or interact with the radio buttons because they are inserted as ActiveX control objects (InlineShapes) rather than normal text characters.

Before you start

Since this solution requires using a VBA macro to delete objects automatically, please save a backup copy of your document before proceeding to prevent accidental data loss.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a VBA Macro to Delete and Replace ActiveX Controls

Because ActiveX controls operate as objects rather than standard text, you must use a short VBA macro to identify and delete them programmatically.

Functional radio buttons in document forms are typically ActiveX controls. This means they are embedded objects that respond to clicks, which is why the Find and Replace utility cannot detect them.

By running a simple VBA script, you can instantly strip all inline ActiveX controls from your document. Once they are removed, you can insert new check box content controls or standard text characters in their place.

Open the VBA Editor

Press the ALT + F11 keys simultaneously on your keyboard to open the Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) editor.

Insert a New Module

In the VBA editor, click on 'Insert' in the top menu bar, and then select 'Module' to create a blank script window.

Paste the Macro Code

Copy and paste the following code into the blank module window: Sub KillActiveX() Dim oShape As InlineShape For Each oShape In ActiveDocument.InlineShapes If oShape.Type = wdInlineShapeOLEControlObject Then oShape.Delete Next oShape End Sub

Run the Macro

Press F5 or click the green 'Run' button in the toolbar. This script will automatically find and delete all ActiveX controls embedded in the text.

Insert Check Box Content Controls

Close the VBA editor and return to your document. Go to the Developer tab on the main ribbon, click the 'Check Box Content Control' icon, and insert your new check boxes where the radio buttons used to be.

Use a VBA Macro to Delete and Replace ActiveX Controls

Customizing Content Controls: After inserting a check box content control, you can highlight it and click 'Properties' in the Developer tab to specify custom checked and unchecked symbols, such as replacing the default box with an 'X'.

Advanced Document Editing

Manage Document Forms Easily with WPS Office

WPS Writer provides comprehensive support for VBA macros and document form controls, allowing you to easily run scripts, replace ActiveX controls, and build interactive documents.

1. Open your Document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open the document containing the ActiveX controls.
2. Access the Developer Tools: Click on the Developer tab in the top ribbon to reveal form controls and the Macro editor.
3. Run your Script: Click 'Macros' to open the VBA editor, paste your cleanup script, and execute it to clear the old radio buttons.
4. Insert New Forms: Use the Form Controls section in the Developer tab to insert modern, easily customizable check boxes.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word document formats (.docx and .docm).Robust VBA macro support for advanced document automation and object deletion.Intuitive Developer tools for inserting check boxes, radio buttons, and text fields.Lightweight, fast, and completely free for standard document editing tasks.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I replace a radio button using the standard Find and Replace tool?

Functional radio buttons are inserted as ActiveX objects or Content Controls rather than regular text characters. Because the Find and Replace utility only scans for text strings and basic formatting, it cannot detect or interact with these embedded objects.

How do I show the Developer tab to insert check boxes?

To access form controls, you need the Developer tab enabled. Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon, and check the box next to 'Developer' in the right-hand column, then click OK.

Will running the VBA macro delete other items in my document?

The specific macro provided deletes all inline ActiveX controls (wdInlineShapeOLEControlObject). If your document contains other ActiveX objects like text boxes or combo boxes, they will also be deleted. It will not affect standard images or standard text.

Can I replace a radio button with a simple text character instead of a control?

Yes. Once you have removed the ActiveX radio button using the macro or by manually deleting it, you can simply type a standard character, such as an 'X', a bullet point, or an 'O', in its place.

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