Video create navigation forms

Try it!

Note: The information on this page applies only to Access desktop databases. Access web apps don't support navigation forms.

If you often use the same set of forms and reports, create a navigation form that groups them together. You'll have everything you need at your fingertips.

1. Open the desktop database in which you want to add a navigation form.

2. On the Create tab, in the Forms group, select Navigation. Then, select the style of navigation form that you want.

Add a form or report to the navigation form

1. Drag the form or report from the Navigation pane to the Add New tab.
   Access adds the form or report in the new Navigation Form.

2. Do this again for any other forms or reports you want to add.

3. Select Save .

4. Enter a name for the form, and select OK.
   The form is saved, and the form name appears on the tab above the form.

Change the label on a navigation form

When you create a new navigation form, Access adds a default label and names it "Navigation Form." Change the label to something more descriptive.

1. Select the form label and then, to begin editing, select it again.

   

2. Edit the label to suit your needs, and then press Enter.

Apply a visual theme to a navigation form or report

Personalize your database and make it easy to find information, by changing the colors and fonts used in all your forms and reports. Try out a color-coordinated theme, or create your own.

1. On the Home tab, select View > Layout View.

2. On the Design tab, select Themes.

   • To see how a theme will look, pause over it.

   • To change all the colors and fonts, select a theme.

   • To change only the colors, select Colors and then select a color.

   • To change only the fonts, select Fonts and then select a text style.

Set the navigation form as the default display form

A navigation form makes a handy home page for a database, so consider opening it automatically each time you open the database.

1. Select File > Options > Current Database.

2. Under Application Options, select the arrow in the Display Form box and then select the new navigation form.

3. Select OK to finish.

4. On the Quick Access Toolbar, select Save .

5. Close and then reopen the database.
   The navigation form opens at the same time so your frequently used forms and reports are at your fingertips.

Want more?

Create a navigation form

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