Microsoft Access 2013 Build User-Friendly Database Systems Chapter 7
Chapter Overview m Query Based Forms m AutoLookup m Menu Systems – Switchboards, Blank Forms and Navigation Forms m Macros – Autoexec, Help Button
Query Based Forms m Display data from multiple tables m Display calculated fields m Utilize AutoLookup m Display sorted data
AutoLookup m Automatically “looks up” data based on a primary key m Tables used in query must have a one-to-many relationship m Join field in the query must be taken from the many side
Forms and AutoLookup Example
Switchboard Menu System Switchboard Wizard creates a user friendly menu that can link together all of your forms and reports in one place. Limit of 8 items per menu. Submenus can be added if 8 item limit is exceeded. The wizard creates a form called Switchboard and a table called Switchboard items. Do NOT delete or move the textboxes and buttons in the design of the Switchboard form. Page 74, Step 13 explains how to enable the Switchboard Manager in Access 2013
Blank Form Menu System Alternatively, a menu can be built from a blank form and command buttons. Advantages: Unlimited items on menu and greater design flexibility.
Navigation Form Menu System Alternatively, a menu can be built using a Navigation Form from a blank form and command buttons. Advantages: Updated design and Web integration Disadvantages: Limited customization options available
Macros m Used to execute series of stored commands m Useful for opening and closing forms, reports, or queries m Makes an application easier to use
Macro Example
Help Button m Macro using MsgBox function that provides technical support information. m Sample help message: – “Please call for technical support”
AutoExec Macro m Special macro will Automatically Execute when database is opened. m Used to open main menu on startup. m Macro should be saved with the name “Autoexec” for it to be recognized as this special type of macro.
Database Startup Options m May be used instead of Autoexec macro to automatically open a form on database startup m See page 70 for additional instructions
Homework 5 m Chapter 7 Guided Exercise m Chapter 7 Applied Exercise