Roadmap to creating a form

A form is a database object that you can use to enter, edit, or display data from a table or a query. You can use forms to control access to data, such as which fields or rows of data are displayed. An effective form speeds the use of your database, because people don't have to search for what they need. A visually attractive form makes working with the database more pleasant and more efficient, and it can also help prevent incorrect data from being entered.

Create a form

Add fields and other features to a form

Change the behavior or appearance of a form and its controls

Create a form

Access 2007 provides many tools to help you create forms quickly. These tools are available in the Forms group of the Create tab:

In addition, Access provides new form types and features that improve the usability of your database. Click the appropriate article or demo for the goal you are trying to achieve.

Goal	Article or demo
Create a form that displays details about one record at a time.	Create a form by using the Form tool
Create a form that displays multiple records in rows and columns, somewhat like a datasheet.	Create a form by using the Multiple Items tool
Create a variety of forms by answering questions in a Wizard.	Create a form by using the Form Wizard
Start with a blank form, and then add fields and other controls manually.	Create a form by using the Blank Form tool
Display related records by using a subform or subdatasheet.	Create a form that contains a subform (a one-to-many form)
Create a form that combines the features of a datasheet and a "single-record" form.	Create a split form
Organize your form by placing controls on tabs.	Create a tabbed form
Create a form that displays data from more than one table.	Use a query as a recordsource for a form or report
Use Access forms and reports to work with data that is stored in SharePoint.	Create Access forms and reports from a SharePoint list

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Add fields and other features to a form

If you're starting with a blank form, or if you are adding more features to an existing form, these articles and demos can help you add the features you want.

Goal	Article or demo
Add a bound text box that displays a field from a table or query.	Add a field to a form or report
Add a bound, unbound, or calculated text box, and learn about text box properties.	Add a text box control to a form or report
Refer to data that is contained on another form.	Create a control that references a control on another form
Show multiple related records by adding a datasheet to a form.	Insert a datasheet into a form
Dress up a form by adding a title, logo, date/time information, or page numbers.	Insert a title into a form or report Insert a logo into a form or report Insert the date and time into a form or report Insert page numbers into a form or report

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Change the behavior or appearance of a form and its controls

Use the articles and demos in this section to make a form and its controls behave according to your needs.

Goal	Article or demo
Set a startup form that appears each time you open your database.	Set the default form that appears when you open a database
Learn how to work with the orange grids that contain controls on a form.	Automatically align controls on a form
Remove controls from layouts, so you can place them exactly where you want.	Move and resize controls independently
Use AutoFormats, alternate row shading, conditional formatting, and themes to make your form easier to use.	Use Windows themes in controls on forms
Use the control anchoring feature to make controls adapt as you resize a form.	Make controls stretch, shrink, or move as you resize a form
Preserve the sort order that was in effect the last time you used a form.	Save a sort order with a table, query, form, or report
Troubleshoot problems with displaying data on a form.	My form or report does not display all of the data that I expect to see

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