Microsoft® Office Access™ 2007 Plain & Simple

Assigning a Data Type

In Access, 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 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.

Pick a Data Type

1. Open a table in Design view.

2. Click in the Data Type box of the field you want to edit. ...