Access Beginner Level 2

This class picks up where Level 1 left off. We will focus on designing and formatting forms from scratch. In the previous class, we built a simple form using the Access automatic form builder. In today's class, we'll learn how to design a form from the ground up. This will allow us to take full advantage of the power of Access form design.

We will begin by downloading the database from the last class. We'll talk about the security warning that comes up when you run the database, and what it means. I'll show you how to set up a Trusted Location - a folder on your desktop where you can run databases without having to see that warning every time.

We'll spend the majority of this class learning how to build forms from scratch. Sure, Access can instantly build a simple form for you, but understanding how to build forms yourself from the ground up will help you to unlock the true potential of building powerful, professional databases.

You will learn how to manually add fields to your forms, working with the Field List.

You will learn how to manipulate the different objects on your form, including labels, text boxes, and check boxes. You'll see how to move, resize, and delete them. You'll learn how to work with them in groups, and edit some of their properties, such as changing the text on a label.
 

You'll learn about The Grid, which is the set of dots on the background of a form that Access uses to keep your objects lined up all nice and neat.

You will learn how to apply different formatting techniques to your forms. You'll see how to change the foreground and background colors of the controls on your form, and background color of the form itself. You'll learn how to work with different fonts, line styles, borders, shadowing, effects, and much more. All of this will allow you to make professional-looking, unique forms for your Access databases.

We'll learn about Themes and how you can use them to instantly change the look and feel of a form. You'll learn the difference between Standard colors and Theme colors. We'll discuss how Themes can make your database have a consistent look and feel.

You will learn how to work with Layout View - a hybrid between Form View and Design View. Layout View allows you can make some changes to the layout of your form while being able to see the data in it.

Finally, I'll take some time to answer questions from students that were posted in my online Access forums related to this class. Some of the questions include: What is an LACCDB file? How can I switch from a tabbed to an overlapping window interface? How to I pin commonly used databases to the Recent Files list? Can I add data from two tables to a form? Can I change the background color of a checkbox?

This is the perfect class for anyone who is new to Microsoft Access and wants to learn how to build forms from scratch. Of course, if you have any questions about whether or not this class is for you, please contact me.
 

Complete Outline - Access Beginner Level 2