In Microsoft Word, the drag-and-drop functionality for Structured Document Tags (Content Controls) allows users to reposition an entire content control and all its contents within the document using the mouse.

What it does

When a user selects the boundary/frame of a content control rather than the text inside it:

• The entire content control is treated as a single unit.
• The control, including its metadata (tag, title, locking settings, data binding, etc.), moves to a new location.
• The content control remains a content control after the move.
• Nested controls move together with the parent control.
• Users can reorganize document sections without cutting and pasting.

Typical workflow

• Hover over a content control until its boundary becomes visible.
• Click the control's tag or border to select the whole control.
• Drag it to another location in the document.
• Release the mouse button to drop it at the new location.

Common use cases

• Reordering form sections.
• Rearranging template building blocks.
• Moving clauses in legal documents.
• Organizing repeating sections or structured content in reports.
• Reorganizing content that is bound to custom XML data.

Important limitations

The behavior may be restricted when:

• The content control is configured as "Content Control Cannot Be Deleted".
• The document is protected.
• The control resides in certain structures (for example, specific table layouts or protected regions).
• Editing restrictions are applied.

Word allows users to treat a content control as a movable document object, enabling the entire SDT and its contents to be repositioned via drag-and-drop while preserving the control's structure and properties.