When people are allowed to enter data as they see fit, it can create serious issues with your database. Input masking creates parameters and requirements on each data entry so that your data is both valid and consistent.
![Mask Mask](/uploads/1/2/6/1/126172376/147494454.png)
The Date Picker Does Not Show When There Is An Inputmask. Been like that since Access 2007. Under HELP for 'input masks' it has the following (the last bullet is. I am currently using the following input mask in Access to allow users to input military time: 00:00;0;_ Is there an equal excel input mask for excel? I tried using this in excel but says it is not a good mask and I have been searching but no luck with any of the builtin's. MS Access VBA - How to input mask to show date as mm/yy - and not allowing past dates to be entered. Ask Question -2. VBA - Selecting cells that contain dates for the past 5 years. Hot Network Questions What is the most aerodynamic Satellite?
Data entry is an essential aspect of Microsoft Access. Access gives you control of how data is entered through input masking so that data are valid and can be used later.
How Input Masking Works
Access includes the Input Mask Wizard, which helps you create the rules and requirements for data entry. Once the input mask is created, every time data is entered, the person (or program) adding the entry will be required to fix any deviation from the rules set by the input mask.
For example, if you set up a rule that all dates must be set up as two-digit day, two-digit month, four-digit year, all entries will have to follow that particular numbering system. If someone enters 1 Aug 2016, Access will not allow for the entry until it is changed to 01/08/2016.
Setting Up the Input Masking Rules
The following steps are for beginners to use the Input Mask Wizard to quickly establish the data rules for your database.
- Open the table where you want to apply the rules. You will need to be in Design View for the wizard to be available.
![Date Date](/uploads/1/2/6/1/126172376/672597352.jpg)
- Click on the field where you want to add the input restrictions. The field properties will appear at the bottom of the screen. Take some time to look over the current properties. If you are working with a new database, most of the entries will be the defaults. If you are working with an older database, you need to see what restrictions have already been applied, as well as determining what information is included for the field.
- Put the cursor in the row marked Input Mask. The button with three dots will display. Click on the button to launch the wizard.
- Review the options the wizard displays. The first few times you add input masks, you can test out the different options to see what requirements each option offers. By using the Try It area at the bottom of the wizard, you can get a feel for what the people making the entry will encounter with each option.
Ms Access Input Mask For Date
- Select the desired entry rules once you know which one will work best for your particular needs. Don’t worry, you can always come back later and change it if things do not work as you intended.
- Add any desired customization you would like for the field. It is best to make the changes minor, such as changing hyphens to forward slashes for dates. Like the previous screen, you can review the results of your customization at the bottom in the Try It
- Click Next.
- Click Finish to accept the rule and changes you completed in the previous screens. If you are thinking about changing it, you also have the option of clicking Back.
Testing the Input Masking Rules
It is always best to test changes to the database once they are completed. The first place to look is the Input Mask area for the field properties. Once you verify the rule is set, exit Design View and actually enter new data as a different user.
Input masking should reduce the potential problems with your data. However, if you have issues and need to repair Access database, the experts can help you restore your data and resolve the issue.
Author Introduction:
Victor Ren is a data recovery expert in DataNumen, Inc., which is the world leader in data recovery technologies, including repair xls damage and word recovery software products. For more information visit www.datanumen.com
Ms Access Input Mask Format
- Open Access 2007 and select the 'Office' button. Select 'Open' from the drop-down list. Browse your files and locate a database to work with. Click the database and select the 'Open' button. The database opens.
- Review the tables in the Navigation Pane. Right-click a table and select 'Design View.' Select a field that contains date data. Change the 'Show Date Picker' to 'For Dates.' Click the 'View' icon on the ribbon and change the view to 'Datasheet View.' Click in the date field. Notice the calendar icon on the right side of the cell. Click the calendar and select a date from the provided calendar. Save the changes by clicking the 'Save' icon on the Quick Access Toolbar.
- Click the 'View' icon and change the view to 'Design View.' Select the 'Phone Number Field.' Click the 'Input Mask' in the lower Field Properties area. Click the '...' to expand the input mask field. Select 'Phone Number.'
- Select a place holder for the character. This placeholder will be displayed in the field when the user adds a new phone number. Click in the 'Try It' field to see how the place holder will look. Click 'Next.' Select how you want the phone number saved in the table. You can save it as a number only or with the phone number formatting characters. Click 'Finish.'
- Click the 'View' button and change the view to 'Datasheet View.' Click the phone number field. Notice the input mask displayed in the field. Use it as a guide when adding new phone numbers.