"Getting the Access table designs right is a crucial part to building an efficient and high performance database. You need to organise the backroom of your database!..."

Fact: Access tables is the only type of object that can physically store data. No other object is able to carry out this basic function!

Access provides table templates for different types of tasks which include contacts, tasks, employees and events. Depending on which version of Microsoft Access you are currently using, they will vary.

For example, Access 2003 provides the table wizard utility to create Access tables with ease and optionally provides sample data too. In Access 2007 (and later versions) however, there are pre-defined template options to choose from the new style 'Ribbon Bar'. Take a look at how to create an Access table with a wizard or template.

If you want to create table objects from scratch using the design view option then the topic how to create an Access table, define their data types and set basic properties will step you through the essentials.

Working with tables to manage data directly is possible but it's like working in the backroom or the cupboard of an office where the environment is not conducive, practical or safe!

For example, if you are working directly in the backroom or the cupboard of the database, you can get yourself in a real mess and even lose data. The normal practice is to create forms (front-end screens) which control and restrict how data should be managed.

If however, you insist, then you will need to know about data management tasks and how to navigate and control data in a table which covers speed keys and commands for entering data, sorting and filtering records (which also applies to forms).

You may have seen or read about the Primary Key amongst other index options. When designing a table, you should at least set the primary key as it will increase the performance and release other functionality within Access for later use.

Review how to create primary and secondary key indexes in Access to understand the benefits and why it is important to implement.

Table designs also include options for choosing the right data type for a field when considering how you will use this field later in queries, forms or reports. For example, if you want to calculate the sales tax amount for the 'Transaction Amount' field, you need to make sure the 'Transaction Amount' field is numeric (number or currency) and not set as Text data type!

Also, choosing the right data type, changes the output type of the control you will see whilst running the table or form. For example, if a field's data type is set as Yes/No, you will see a checkbox control where you tick or un-tick the option.

You may wish to have a drop-down box control (known as a Combo Box) to pick and choose from a pre-defined list using the Lookup Wizard feature for a field's data type which sets all the properties required.

Note: You can download the database file of your version to test and see the table designs explained and illustrated throughout this website.

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