Datasheet

Input Mask
The Input Mask property can be useful in data entry situations. Whereas For-
mat controls how data is displayed, Input Mask controls how data is entered
into a particular field. Input Mask is available for the following data types:
Text, Number, Date/Time, and Currency. For example, if a user needs to enter
a telephone number, Input Mask can create the characters and structure with
which everyone is familiar. As the user types, the number automatically
assumes a phone number format: (###) ###-####.
Decimal Places
In number fields, you can set the number of decimal places that will be
recorded to the right of the decimal point. There is an Auto setting, which will
defer to the Format setting to determine the correct number of places. Apart
from Auto, you are able to select 0 to 15 for the number of decimal places.
Access Basics 13
USING THE INPUT MASK WIZARD
There is an extremely helpful tool called the Input Mask Wizard. To call this
wizard, place your cursor inside the field for which you need an input mask.
This will make visible a button with the ellipsis dots (...). Click the newly visible
button to activate the Input Mask Wizard. The wizard provides the most
common examples of Input Masks and even allows you to test their behavior.
Figure 1-7 shows the Input Mask Wizard.
Figure 1-7 The Input Mask Wizard enables you to
specify the structure of data being entered into a field.
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