Access 2021: Tips, Tricks, and Techniques

2h 50mAdvanced2022-03-01

Authors

Adam Wilbert

Data Visualization Expert

Course details

This course provides tips and techniques to help Access developers create a better user experience and transform it into a fast, efficient, and even fun environment. Access expert Adam Wilbert shows how to remove typical Access interface elements (like the Welcome screen) for a better startup experience and borrow some tricks from web design to make your database more attractive and interactive. Plus, learn how to clean up a cluttered navigation pane, filter long lists with cascading combo boxes, and build in contextual help and keyboard shortcuts that your power users will thank you for.

Skills covered

Microsoft AccessDesktop DatabasesMicrosoft OfficeTips, Tricks, & TechniquesOffice 365Business Software and ToolsMicrosoft

Concepts

Introduction

Advance your Access skills
What you should know
Following along and using the exercise files

Create a Startup Experience

Create a main menu
Explore the startup options
Launch a splash screen
Create an AutoExec macro
Hide the ribbon

Work with Hidden Objects

Embed queries in reports
Hide tables and other objects
Access the system tables
Query a list of database objects

Split a Database

Create a back end
Password-protect a back end
Link to a password-protected back end
Create customized front ends

Create Cascading Combo Boxes

Build the combo boxes
Cascade the results

Create a Dynamic Reporting Tool

Understand how the reporting tool works
Build the form
Build the query
Build the report
Finalize the reporting tool

Aid Your End Users

Add customized shortcut keys
Create helpful tooltip messages
Provide task-specific help dialog boxes
Leverage split forms
Add edit buttons to tabular data

Write Custom Functions in Visual Basic

VBA function basics
Use custom functions in queries
Create a Select Case function

Distribute Your Application

Install the free Access Runtime
Package your application

Conclusion

Next steps