1. Forms Using

2. 2  Plan a form  Create a form  Move and resize controls  Modify labels  Modify text boxes Objectives

3. 3  Modify tab order  Enter and edit records  Insert an image Objectives

4. 4 Unit Introduction  A form is an Access database object that allows you to present information in a format that makes entering and editing data easy. –Forms are the primary object used to find, enter, and edit data –You can design the layout of fields in a form

5. 5 Planning a Form  Forms are often built to match a source document to facilitate fast and accurate data entry. –Because users enter data directly into the database, a well designed form is important –A control is used to display data in a form

6. 6 Planning a Form (cont.)  Form design considerations. –Determine purpose of the form –Determine underlying record source –Gather source documents –Determine the best type of control Bound controls display data from the underlying record sourceBound controls display data from the underlying record source Unbound controls do not change from record to record and exist only to clarify and enhance the form appearanceUnbound controls do not change from record to record and exist only to clarify and enhance the form appearance

7. 7 Planning a Form (cont.) Form Controls

8. 8 Planning a Form (cont.) Tab control Text box Combo box Label Option group Toggle button Option button Bound object frame

9. 9 Planning a Form (cont.) Unbound object frame List box Command button Rectangle Check box

10. 10 Creating a Form  Create a form from scratch using the Form Design View or the Form wizard. –The Form Wizard provides guided steps to create a form Select record source, choose overall layout, style, and titleSelect record source, choose overall layout, style, and title –Use Form Design View to modify an existing form object

11. 11 Creating a Form (cont.) Labels Check box Text box

12. 12 Creating a Form (cont.) Form creation techniques

13. 13 Moving and Resizing Controls  Modify the size, location, and appearance of existing controls in Form Design View –Add controls to the form with the Toolbox toolbar –The field list contains fields in the record source

14. 14 Moving and Resizing Controls (cont.) Label Field list Vertical ruler Toolbox toolbar Field List button Toolbox button Object list box

15. 15 Moving and Resizing Controls (cont.)  Sizing handles appear in the corners and on the edges of selected controls. –The mouse pointer shape is important when working with controls Form Design View mouse pointers

16. 16 Moving and Resizing Controls (cont.)  When you move a bound control, the accompanying unbound label moves with it. –The field name for the selected control appears in the Object list box –Moving and resizing controls requires concentration and mouse control

17. 17 Modifying Labels  Modify a label control by directly editing it in Form Design View or the property sheet for the label. –The property sheet is a comprehensive listing of all properties (characteristics) that have been specified for that control –Click the label in Form Design View to edit it or –Double-click the label to open its property sheet

18. 18 Modifying Labels (cont.)  The Caption property controls the text displayed by the label control. Property sheet Title bar identifies the type of control Caption property

19. 19 Modifying Text Boxes  Text boxes are generally used to display form underlying fields and are therefore bound to the field. –A text box control may also serve as a calculated control when it stores an expression An expression is a combination of symbols that calculates resultsAn expression is a combination of symbols that calculates results Common expressions include calculating the current date, a grade point average, or a page numberCommon expressions include calculating the current date, a grade point average, or a page number

20. 20 Modifying Text Boxes (cont.)  Expressions start with an equal sign (=). –A field name is bracketed within an expression –A field name must be typed exactly as it appears in the Table Design View

21. 21 Modifying Text Boxes (cont.) New text box New label Toolbox toolbar

22. 22 Modifying Tab Order  The tab order is the order in which the focus (the active control) moves as you press [Tab] in Form View. –Change using the Tab Order dialog box –To change tab sequence, drag the row selector up or down Form sections

23. 23 Modifying Tab Order (cont.) Drag the row selector to move the field up or down Detail section

24. 24 Entering and Editing Records  Forms are used to find, enter, or edit records in the underlying record source. Edit record symbol

25. 25 Entering and Editing Records (cont.)  To find a record, click the Find button on the Form View toolbar. Find button Find criteria

26. 26 Inserting an Image  An example of a graphic image is a picture, logo, or clip art. –Images can be added to bound or unbound controls Bound images are tied to a field defined with an OLE Object data typeBound images are tied to a field defined with an OLE Object data type

27. 27 Inserting an Image (cont.) Inserted logo