How to Add Fields to a Microsoft Access Table

When you created your Access table, you entered the fields you wanted at that time. But later you might realize that you need one or more new fields. Say, for example, you made a database of friends' addresses, but didn't include a field for a middle initial. Then you get two friends with the same name. Uh oh. Add a field. These instructions work for Access 97.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Microsoft Access

1. Open your database file in MS Access.

2. Use the F11 key to open the database view.

3. Click on the Table tab. A list of tables will appear.

4. Select the table you want to use, then click Open. The table appears.

5. Place your cursor in the field directly prior to where you want your new field to appear. For example, if your columns are named red, green, and yellow, and you want a new column to appear between red and green, then place your cursor in red.

6. From the Insert menu, click on Column. A new column appears directly to the right of your cursor location. This column will be named Field 1.

7. Right-click on the label Field 1. A menu appears.

8. Click on Rename. The column label will turn black, indicating that you can enter information from the keyboard.

9. Rename your column and press Enter.

10. Save your database file.

Tips & Warnings

• In Access, a database is made up of various "tables," but each table is probably what you'd think of as a "database" - it's a collection of records.
• The fields are the categories of information that you want to save about each record. For instance, if you are saving records in an address book, your fields might be title, first name, last name, address, telephone, fax, e-mail, pager.
• You can rename, insert, delete, hide, copy or freeze any columns from your table. Right-click a column label (name) to generate a menu.