can I mask portions of a word document?

[rande]

I want to use a Word document as a contract where certain words would be editable but not others. For example, all wording would remain the same but there would be spaces to add/change names, dates, fees, etc., within the document.

Is there some way to create such a mask or template with MS Word or should I be using some other app.?

[RayH]

There are several ways to do it. As for the best way, go get a book on it. There are cheezy few time ways by creating a document with XXXX and replacing those.

There are field merges that I'm not sure how it works with Word. With a lot of office suites, you merge it with a data base program.

[Marvinator]

The way to do this is with Form Fields not Merge Fields. Once you put in a form field where you want text editable, you Protect the document. The only fields enterable, or changeable will be the form fields.