MOS Access Associate (Office 365 and Office 2019)
1 Introduction to Microsoft Access
1-1 Overview of Microsoft Access
1-2 Understanding the Access interface
1-3 Navigating the Ribbon and Backstage view
1-4 Customizing the Quick Access Toolbar
1-5 Using the Tell Me feature
2 Creating and Managing Databases
2-1 Creating a new database
2-2 Opening and closing databases
2-3 Saving and backing up databases
2-4 Converting databases between file formats
2-5 Managing database properties
3 Designing Tables
3-1 Understanding table structure
3-2 Creating tables using table design view
3-3 Defining field properties
3-4 Setting primary keys
3-5 Creating relationships between tables
3-6 Enforcing referential integrity
3-7 Using lookup fields
4 Entering and Managing Data
4-1 Entering data into tables
4-2 Editing and deleting records
4-3 Using data entry forms
4-4 Sorting and filtering data
4-5 Using validation rules and messages
4-6 Importing and exporting data
5 Creating and Customizing Forms
5-1 Understanding forms
5-2 Creating forms using the Form Wizard
5-3 Customizing form layout
5-4 Adding controls to forms
5-5 Setting control properties
5-6 Using form views (Form View, Layout View, Design View)
5-7 Creating subforms
6 Creating and Customizing Reports
6-1 Understanding reports
6-2 Creating reports using the Report Wizard
6-3 Customizing report layout
6-4 Adding controls to reports
6-5 Setting control properties
6-6 Using report views (Report View, Layout View, Design View)
6-7 Grouping and summarizing data in reports
6-8 Printing and exporting reports
7 Querying Data
7-1 Understanding queries
7-2 Creating queries using the Query Wizard
7-3 Using query design view
7-4 Adding fields to queries
7-5 Using criteria and operators
7-6 Sorting and grouping query results
7-7 Creating calculated fields
7-8 Using aggregate functions
7-9 Creating and using parameter queries
7-10 Creating and using crosstab queries
8 Macros and Automation
8-1 Understanding macros
8-2 Creating and editing macros
8-3 Using macro actions
8-4 Assigning macros to events
8-5 Debugging macros
8-6 Understanding VBA (Visual Basic for Applications)
8-7 Writing simple VBA procedures
9 Securing and Sharing Databases
9-1 Setting database passwords
9-2 Encrypting databases
9-3 Managing user-level security
9-4 Sharing databases with others
9-5 Using SharePoint and OneDrive for data storage
9-6 Collaborating with others in real-time
10 Maintaining and Optimizing Databases
10-1 Compact and repair databases
10-2 Analyzing and optimizing database performance
10-3 Using the Database Documenter
10-4 Managing database objects
10-5 Backing up and restoring databases
10-6 Migrating databases to newer versions of Access
Adding Controls to Forms in Microsoft Access

Adding Controls to Forms in Microsoft Access

Key Concepts

Adding controls to forms in Microsoft Access involves understanding the following key concepts:

Controls

Controls are the elements within a form that allow users to interact with the data. Common controls include text boxes, combo boxes, option buttons, and command buttons. Each control has specific properties that define its behavior and appearance.

Example: A text box control allows users to enter and display text data, while a combo box provides a dropdown list of predefined values for selection.

Form Design

Form design involves creating the layout and structure of the form. This includes adding and arranging controls, setting properties for each control, and ensuring the form is intuitive and easy to use. Good form design enhances user experience and data accuracy.

Example: When designing a form for entering customer information, you might arrange text boxes for "FirstName" and "LastName" in a vertical layout, with labels on the left and input fields on the right.

Control Properties

Control properties define the characteristics and behavior of each control. Properties include name, caption, data source, and formatting options. Setting appropriate properties ensures that controls function correctly and meet the needs of the form.

Example: For a text box control, you might set the "Name" property to "txtFirstName" and the "Caption" property to "First Name." The "Data Source" property would be linked to the "FirstName" field in the table.

Data Binding

Data binding connects controls on a form to the fields in a table. This ensures that data entered or displayed in the form is stored or retrieved from the correct fields in the database. Proper data binding is essential for maintaining data integrity and accuracy.

Example: When binding a text box control to the "FirstName" field in the "Customers" table, any data entered in the text box will be stored in the "FirstName" field of the corresponding record in the table.

Examples and Analogies

Think of adding controls to a form as building a user interface for a website. Just as a website form guides users through entering their information, a form in Access guides users through entering data into the database. The controls are like the input fields, buttons, and dropdowns that make the form interactive.

Another analogy is a custom-built car dashboard. Each control on the form is like a gauge or button on the dashboard, designed to provide specific information or functionality. The form design ensures that all controls are logically arranged and easy to use, just as a well-designed dashboard ensures that all gauges and buttons are accessible and intuitive.

Conclusion

Adding controls to forms in Microsoft Access is a fundamental skill for creating user-friendly interfaces for data entry and management. By understanding the key concepts of controls, form design, control properties, and data binding, you can create efficient and effective forms that enhance user experience and data accuracy.