I'm working on some protected forms that must have the same layout/design as
forms that already exist in hardcopy. That is, the sequence/layout of the
form fields is a "given."

Unfortunately, with the given layout, the sequence when tabbing through the
fields is (logically) something like this: 2, 3, 1; 5, 6, 4; etc. I'd like
the sequence to be 1, 2, 3; 4, 5, 6; etc.

I tried using a "goto field" exit macro, but then the user MUST go through
the fields in a given sequence (Shift+Tab and mouse click don't take you
where you expect/want to go). I also tried keybindings -- which I got to work
for just about everything EXCEPT the Tab key.

Then I ran across this statement in an MVP's site: “When the cursor is
situated in a form field in a protected section of a protected document, the
tab key isn't interpreted as a tab key. Instead, it executes a built-in
routine that lies beyond vba's reach.”

Just wanted to verify it is true that there is no way to control the Tab key
action in a protected Word form -- short of "goto to field" macros on exiting
the field, which is unacceptable for this use.

Thanks in advance for any additional info on this issue!