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Repeating Section

What is a Repeating Section?​

A Repeating Section Content Control is a container that allows a block of content to be repeated multiple times within a document. This block can include text, tables, and other content controls.

You typically use repeating sections when you need to handle dynamic or variable-length data.

For example:

  • Lists of products in an invoice
  • Multiple tasks in a report
  • Work experience entries in a CV

A repeating section allows users (or the system) to dynamically add or remove instances of the same structure.

How it works​

A repeating section acts as a dynamic container.

  • It wraps a block of content (for example, a table row)
  • It allows duplication of that block
  • Each duplicated instance contains its own set of content controls

When the document is generated, the system fills each repeated block with corresponding data.

When to use Repeating Sections​

Use repeating sections when you need to:

  • Collect multiple entries of the same type of data
  • Display a variable number of records
  • Avoid manually duplicating content in templates
  • Keep documents clean and scalable

Avoid using repeating sections for static content that does not change.

Creating a Repeating Section in Word​

Step 1: Add static content​

Add all non-repeating content controls (e.g., Company Name, Address, etc.)

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Step 2: Create a table structure​

  • Create a table with:
    • 2 rows
    • Required number of columns
  • First row → headers
  • Second row → add Plain Text Content Controls
  • Set Title and Tag for each control

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Step 3: Apply Repeating Section​

  • Select the entire row with content controls
  • Go to the Developer tab
  • Click Repeating Section Content Control

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Step 4: Configure properties​

  • Select the repeating section
  • Click Properties
  • Enable: Allow users to add and remove sections

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Step 5: Result​

A plus (+) icon will appear, allowing users to dynamically add new sections.

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💡 Common use cases​

  • Invoices & Purchase Orders
    Add unlimited line items (product, quantity, price)

  • Project Status Reports
    List multiple tasks and deadlines

  • Employee CVs
    Add multiple work experience entries

  • Forms & Surveys
    Allow users to submit multiple entries

  • Asset Management
    Add multiple assets with details

🔄 Related controls​

  • Repeating Table – Alternative for table-based data
  • Section – Groups controls but cannot repeat
  • Optional Section – Hidden until user enables it
  • List Control – Simple repeating list
  • Master/Detail Control – Linked data views

💡 Tip​

Think of a repeating section as a loop in your document.
If your data is an array — you should use a repeating section.