You can use the KeyDown event for each open form to detect what keys are pressed and then react appropriately. However, you have to make sure you don't use a key you might commonly use for typing or you might be typing in a text box on a form and open a search form inadvertently..

Here are some videos using KeyDown and KeyPress:
KeyDown
Arrow Key Nav
Arrow Keys & Text Box
Button Shortcut Keys
SendKeys
KeyPress

You could also create a macro to open the search form, and then add the macro to the toolbar. In Quick Access Toolbar select Choose commands from: Macros, then select the macro you just created and add it to the toolbar.

Werner

Here's a couple other ideas:
1. You can create a Quick Access button at the top

2. Create a Form with buttons you want immediate access to at the top of either side of your Window.  Then make it a Popup Form and move it onto a second screen.

3. Create a Form with buttons you want immediate access to at the top of either side of your Window.  Then use Move to position any other Form so it's not blocking access to the other Form you just created.

-Raymond

I always forget about AutoKeys, lol. The Quick Access Toolbar Raymond shared shows how to set them up in the Extended Cut. I just avoid Macros like the plague, lol.

Thanks to all of you for your responses.
It was very easy to create the macros. Thay worked ok when I click on the run command.
However, when I use short key, the short does not work.
I have downloaded Richards Demo and have the same problem. Did a search and found that
Why don't my macro short keys in access not working seems to be a problem also with other people.
Is there a fix for this and what do need to do make it work.
Appreciate your input.
thank you all

Hello Werner

Sandra suggested putting the macro in the Quick Access Toolbar, if you do that then you can press ALT and the Shortcut key will be highlighted, the macro will be a number say 5, so ALT 5 would run you macro?

Hope this helps

Sandra and Darrin, this is not working. It only works with none pop up forms in that case I can just click on the icon.
My app is set on pop up.
My main menu screen is a full maximize pop up screen including other screens.
Thanks

Yeah, that's one of the problems with using all popup forms is that they tend to hide behind one another when they open. Have you tried adding a "SEARCHFORMNAME.SetFocus" to your macro after the form is loaded? Alternativerly, you could try making the search form a dialog box but then you wouldn't be able to interact with any other forms.

Hi Donald,
I tried adding a "SEARCHFORMNAME.SetFocus" to the macro, however my knowledge is limited.
So, what I did instead was, put a time counter on the main menu form with different time adjustments.
This will have to do for now until I find a solution.
Still looking for a solution!
Thanks
Werner

I'm a bit confused. When you say "Search Form" do you mean searching for data from a specific table set? Or are you thinking more like a "Switchboard" (not the Access menuing thingy).

I plan on people getting to the Timecard Form from anywhere in all my application modules, so I just added it as one button on the Menu Form. Simple and easy without all the Hot Key fuss, always just two clicks away. You do have a menuing program, right?

Yes, Thomas I do use full screen menus.
I have changed what I wanted to do.
I am now using a timer setup o all my full screen Menus.
So, if I turn my timer on, the countdown will continue on any full screen menu.
Thanks to TempVars, it couldn't work better.
Thanks
Werner