Datasheet

Entering data with the Form Wizard
Using a form to enter data into an Access database is much easier than enter-
ing data directly into a table in Datasheet view. Figure 1-2 shows a simple
form you might create with the Form Wizard in Access. In this case, the form
is not optimized in any way — it appears the way the wizard created it.
If you compare the form shown in Figure 1-2 with the Datasheet view shown
in Figure 1-1, you can see pretty easily how much more convenient the form
is for entering data. Each of the fields is clearly labeled (even if the Form
Wizard didn’t quite figure out the proper size for a couple of the labels). Here
are a couple of ways that the Form Wizard makes entering data easier:
 Easy movement between fields: You can move between the fields by
clicking the field you want or by pressing the Tab key. Because the fields
are labeled, you can easily move to specific fields, skipping the fields
you don’t want to use for now.
 Easy movement between records: You can use the navigation controls
at the bottom of the form to navigate between records. This feature is
just like the navigation controls you commonly use, but with a notable
exception: In forms, pressing Page Down moves you to the next record,
and Page Up moves you to the previous record. In Datasheet view, Page
Down and Page Up move you to a new screen page of records. (The
number of records you jump depends on how many records are visible
on the screen, and this can change depending on how you display the
datasheet window. Don’t you just love the inconsistency?)
Field labels
Enter data in the fields
Use drop-down list boxes to choose from a list
Use these controls to navigate between records
Figure 1-2:
Even a
simple form
makes
entering
data into
your Access
database
easier.
12
Part I: Accessing Both Ends: Getting Data In and Info Out
05_046593 ch01.qxp 11/27/06 1:23 PM Page 12