Creating a Lookup Field

The Lookup Wizard helps you create a field that displays either of two kinds of lists during data entry: a Lookup list that displays values looked up from an existing table or query, or a Value list that displays a fixed set of values you enter when you create the field. Because values are limited to a predefined list, using Lookup fields helps you avoid data entry errors in situations where only a limited number of possible values are allowed. The lists are not limited to a single column. You can include additional columns that could include descriptive information for the various choices in the list. However, only a single column, called the bound column , contains the data that is extracted from the list and placed into the Lookup field.

Create a Field Based on a Lookup List

Display the table in Design view, enter a new field, click the Data Type list arrow, and then click Lookup Wizard.

Click the I Will Type In The Values That I Want option button. Click Next to continue.

Specify the number of columns you want in the Value list.

Enter the values in the list. Resize the column widths, if necessary. Click Next to continue.

Choose which column will act as the bound column. Click Next to continue.

Enter a label for the Lookup column.

Click Finish.