How to Create Forms in Access 2003

Microsoft Access 2003 is a powerful database creation tool. One feature of Access databases are forms. Forms are used to input, delete, and alter data. Forms are also used as selection tools for reports. Access forms can be extremely basic or complex, depending on your needs. Access 2003 offers both a wizard and design view format to help create the right forms for you. Forms can be customized even after creation. To make your database easier to use, form creation is a must.

Instructions

1. Open an existing Access 2003 database or create a new one. To create a new database, open Access 2003, go to "File -- New -- Blank Database." If you don't see "Blank Database", look to the right of your screen after selecting "New." Select a name and a location to store your database.

2. Create any desired tables, queries, and reports you want associated with your forms. For instance, if you want to run a certain report based on choices made in the form, create your report first. Form creation is easier if your tables and queries are complete first since most text boxes, list boxes, and drop down menus pull from tables and queries. You must have at least one table to create a form.

3. 

   Click on "Forms" to the left of your database control window. Choose how to create your form. "Design View", provides you with a blank form to draw objects on.
   The "Wizard" creates a base form based on criteria you provide during the wizard format.

4. 

   Create a form with the wizard. Press "Create form by using wizard." Select the table or query you wish to use from the Tables/Queries drop down box and select the fields you want to use in the boxes below the drop down box. Press "Next" to continue.

5. Select the layout for your form. Click each form type to view a sample of the layout. Press "Next" to continue. Choose a style for your form. Click "Next" to continue. Select a name for your form and choose whether to open the form or modify the form. Press "Finish" to create the form based on your specifications.

6. 

   Create a form in design view. Press "Create form in Design view." Click the "toolbox" button on the toolbar if the toolbox doesn't automatically appear. The icon looks like a hammer crossing a wrench.

7. Select the objects you wish to use onto the form and draw/place them one by one. If you want start a wizard for each object, click the wand icon on the toolbox before selecting an object. This will allow you to add code, items, or select queries and tables for certain objects.

8. Right-click any object and select "Properties" to add or edit the object's properties. For instance, to add items to a list box, select the list box properties, choose "Data", and "Row Source Type."

9. Save your form before exiting the wizard or design view. The wizard will save automatically. The design view mode will ask you to save before exiting. Double-click any form to test it. Press the "Design View" icon while a form is open to edit its objects and design.

Tips & Warnings

• Name tables and queries something relevant to the data they contain. This will make finding the correct tables and queries for your form easier. Use "_" between words on forms, tables, reports, and queries to prevent any errors when using the code behind objects.

• Before editing forms or any other objects in your database, create a backup copy of the original database. This will prevent any data loss should a change work incorrectly.

References

• Microsoft Access: Create Forms

Resources

• Access 2003 Help and Support