Use AutoForms to Enter Data into Microsoft Access
Updated: April 11, 2004
Curriculum Areas: Language arts, math, science
Grade Level: Elementary school and up
Application: Microsoft® Access version 2002
Tip: Use the AutoForm feature to quickly create an Access Form from a Table.
Description:
All databases created in Microsoft Access are based on Tables, the backbone of databases. Entering information into an Access database can be done from either a Table (a column and row layout where you can see multiple records at a time) or a Form (a user-friendly form where you see one record at a time). Creating a Form is a breeze because Access has an AutoForm feature that creates a Form from any Table.
How To:
1. | Start Microsoft Access version 2002, and open an existing file or create one from scratch. If you are starting a new database, create a Table and then enter some data. |
2. | While viewing one of your Tables, click the AutoForm button on the toolbar. Or, close all Tables, and then click the name of a Table from the main window before clicking the AutoForm button. |
3. | A simple Form will appear, showing one record at a glance, with all of your fields listed. Now you have a choice of entering data in the Form view or the Table view. Keep in mind that any information entered while in Table view will automatically appear in Form view, and vice versa. The data is the same, whether it's entered in a Table or a Form. |
4. | When you close the new Form, save it using a meaningful name. |
