1. Assigning a Data Type
In
Access 2010, some operations such as arithmetic or date comparisons
require you to assign the proper data type to a field. You have a number
of data types to choose from, depending on your needs. For example,
creating an AutoNumber field directs Access 2010 to add a sequential
value to a table row automatically, which is useful for distinguishing a
particular table row from all other rows in the table. Creating a memo
field gives you and your colleagues a place to type notes about a table
record, making it possible for information workers to add details as to
why they entered data in a certain way or to add customer comments.
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Open a table in Design view.
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Click in the Data Type box of the field you want to edit.
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Click the down arrow.
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Click the data type to assign to the field.
2. Viewing or Changing Field Properties
Every
field has a number of properties, such as the maximum number of
characters allowed in the field. Setting a field’s properties helps
control the type of data entered into the field, which makes it less
likely that your colleagues will enter erroneous data. The properties
available to you are different for each data type, but you can view all
the available properties in the Field Properties pane, which appears at
the bottom of the screen when you open a table in Design view.
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Open a table in Design view.
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Click within the row representing the field with the properties you want to change.
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Click the name of the property you want to change.
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Follow any of these steps:
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Type a new value for the property.
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Click the down arrow, and choose a new value from the list.
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Click the Build button to open the Expression Builder.
