Input Masks in Microsoft Access

Input masks define how data is entered and shown in a field. Symbols are used to define what information should be entered, and how it will be displayed. For example, if you have a field in a database that requires six letters to be entered, the input mask would be LLLLLL. Input masks help keep data entry consistent within a database and reduce the chance of errors occurring.

Examples of Input Masks:

L = Letter (Required Entry)

? = Letter (Entry Not Required)

A = Letter or Number (Required Entry)

A = Letter or Number (Entry Not Required)

& = Any Character or Space (Required Entry)

C = Any Character or Space (Entry Not Required)

0 = Number (Required Entry)

9 = Number (Entry Not Required)

# = Number, Space, + or –

., = Decimal Point and thousands separators

:/ = Date and time separators

< = Converts characters to the right to lowercase

> = Converts characters to the right to uppercase

\ = Makes the character that follows to be displayed as itself e.g. \H will be displayed as H

1. Create a table containing contact details with fields named Name, Address and Telephone. Enter relevant details into the table

2. Open the table in Design View

3. Select the Telephone field

4. Click in the Input Mask field property

5. Enter (00) 0000000 for the Input Mask

6. Return to Datasheet View and try and enter a new telephone number for the last record

7. The table will only accept telephone numbers in the correct format

8. Display the Design View

9. To the right of the Input Mask property, click on the dots. This will display the Input Mask Wizard

10. Scroll down through the list of Input Masks available until you reach the Telephone number Input Mask

11. Click on Next

12. Click Finish

13. When you return to Datasheet View, the new Input Mask will be applied to the Telephone field

14. Save the database

For further database tips and tricks, click on the book below: