How to Add a Table to a Microsoft Access Database From Scratch

The tables created by the Access wizard are not always what you want. Making a table from scratch allows you to customize the table more easily. These instructions are for Microsoft Access 97.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Microsoft Access

Creating a Table Using a Blank Data Sheet

1. Open your database in Microsoft Access.

2. Use the F11 key to display the database view. Click the Table tab, then click New. A menu appears.

3. Select "Database view" to create your new table. Click OK. Your new, blank data sheet opens.

4. Rename the existing fields, giving them the names you want. Double-click in the Field label (it will turn black), then enter the name you want.

5. If you need additional columns, click in the column to the immediate right of where you want your new column to appear. Then, from the Insert menu, select Column. Rename or move as desired.

6. Enter your data in the data sheet.

7. From the File menu, click Save. You'll be asked if you want Access to create primary keys for your table. Click Yes unless you want to assign primary keys yourself.

Creating a Table From Design View

8. Open your database and switch to the Database window by tapping the F11 key.

9. Click the Table tab, then click New.

10. Double-click Design View. A design view window appears.

11. Enter your field names. Click in the first row directly under Field Name, and enter the name you want to use. Hit Enter.

12. Click in the DataType column directly to the right. A menu will appear, offering you a choice of data type. Choose from text, currency, date and time, and so on. Add notes in the field to the far right if desired.

13. Enter all of your field and data types in a similar fashion.

14. Define a primary key if you want a custom primary key. If you want Access to create your primary key automatically, omit this step for now.

15. Choose Save from the File menu. A menu appears, asking you to name your table. Give it a name and click OK.

16. If you haven't defined a primary key, Access will ask if you want primary keys to be created automatically. It's usually a good idea to say yes.

Tips & Warnings

• It's easier to add a table this way, but you can't specify your fields' data types. (They'll all be text.) If you need other data types, use the next method.