Microsoft Access 2013 Inside Out

Using the single-document vs. the multiple-document interface

In versions of Access before Access 2007, all objects opened in their own windows where you could edit, view, or print them. This type of interface, multiple-document interface (MDI for short), was the cornerstone for working with objects in Access desktop databases. Access 2013 includes an interface model called single-document interface (SDI). In the SDI model, all objects open in a series of tabs along the top of the object window to the right of the Navigation pane. In the older MDI model, switching between open objects usually meant constantly minimizing, resizing, and maximizing the various objects to work with them. In Figure 9-57, you can see two forms, one table, and one report ...