How to Use an Input Mask to Control How Data Is Entered Into a Microsoft Access Field

Adding an input mask minimizes the likelihood that people will omit information or enter the wrong data by mistake. For example, you could create an input mask that would only permit the number and type of characters that are found in a telephone number. These instructions are for MS Access 97.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Microsoft Access

1. Open your table in Design view.

2. Click in the field that you want an input mask for.

3. In the Field Property window at the bottom of the screen, click the Input Mask box.

4. Click the Build button. A wizard will appear.

5. Follow the instructions in the wizard dialog box.

6. Save your table.

Tips & Warnings

• This feature and the wizard are optional features at the time of installation. If not installed, refer to your Access or Office CD-ROM.
• Using an input mask is more specific than limiting the number of characters in a field (see "How to Set the Maximum Number of Characters in a Microsoft Access Field"), but less specific than limiting the field to certain precise values (see "How to Limit Data in a Microsoft Access Field to Certain Values.") With an input mask, you could specify that the data entered looks like a telephone number, but you couldn't specify specific telephone numbers.