Document Editing Problems

How to Use the Tab Key to Move Between Word Content Controls

Khadija Khan Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users need to navigate between form fields using the Tab key, but pressing Tab inside certain controls inserts an indent instead of moving the cursor forward.

How to Use the Tab Key to Move Between Word Content Controls

Product: Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Filling out or designing a structured form in a Word document.
Observed behavior: Pressing the Tab key inside a Rich Text Content Control adds a paragraph indent rather than jumping to the next available form field.

Before you start

Ensure that the Developer tab is enabled in your ribbon menu, as you will need it to modify the properties and types of your document form controls.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Plain Text Content Controls

Switching from Rich Text to Plain Text Content Controls naturally enables the Tab key to jump to the next field.

Rich Text Content Controls allow complex formatting like paragraph indents, which is why the Tab key behaves differently. Plain text controls restrict this, restoring standard form navigation.

Delete the Rich Text Control

Select the existing Rich Text Content Control in your document and press the Delete key.

Access Developer Tools

Navigate to the Developer tab on your top ribbon menu.

Insert Plain Text Control

Click the Plain Text Content Control icon (usually depicted as 'Aa') in the Controls group to insert it.

Test Navigation

Press the Tab key while inside the newly inserted control. The cursor will now successfully jump to the next form field.

Solution 2

Insert a Legacy Text Form Field Workaround

If your form requires a Rich Text Content Control, inserting a legacy field inside it can restore standard keyboard navigation.

Smart Form Editing

Create and Fill Forms Easily with WPS Office

WPS Writer offers a highly intuitive set of form tools that make inserting and navigating content controls completely seamless. It natively supports standard keyboard navigation for effortless form filling.

1. Open Form in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your form document in WPS Writer.
2. Enable Form Controls: Navigate to the Developer tab to add standard form fields like plain text boxes and checkboxes.
3. Protect the Form: Go to the Review tab, click Restrict Editing, and select 'Filling in forms' to lock the layout.
4. Navigate with Tab: Press the Tab key to smoothly jump from one input field to the next without altering the document formatting.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word document formats (.doc, .docx)Intuitive Developer tools for inserting text fields, checkboxes, and drop-downsSmooth Tab key navigation across all standard form fieldsFree, lightweight, and easy-to-use alternative to Microsoft Word

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Tab key insert an indent instead of moving to the next field?

Rich Text Content Controls are designed to allow complex text formatting, including tabs and paragraph indents. Because of this, pressing Tab adds a space rather than moving the cursor. Plain Text Content Controls do not support this formatting, making them jump to the next field instead.

How do I show the Developer tab to access content controls?

To display the Developer tab, go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon. Check the box next to 'Developer' in the right-hand column list, then click OK. The tab will immediately appear at the top of your screen.

Can I use the Enter key to move between form fields?

By default, the Enter key adds a new line within most text controls. To navigate between distinct form fields, the Tab key (to move forward) or Shift+Tab (to move backward) are the standard keyboard shortcuts.

Document & File Issues