| When you open an existing database, the first thing you usually see is the Database window. However, if the database was created with a switchboard, you must close the switchboard before you can view the Database window. Access databases can contain seven database object types. The table on this page identifies the database objects that you use when creating a database. View the Database Window -
 Open the database. If no special startup options are specified, the Database window opens automatically. -
 If necessary, click the Window menu, and then click the name of the database to open the Database window. Databases with multiple users might have security measures in effect that prevent some users from accessing the Database window.  Did You Know? You can switch between Datasheet and Design view . For many of the tasks you do in Access, you will switch back and forth between Design and Datasheet view. In Design view, you format and set controls for queries, reports , forms, or tables that you are creating from scratch or modifying from an original wizard design. In Datasheet view, you observe the result of the modifications you have made in Design view. To switch between the two, click the View button on the toolbar, and then select the appropriate view. | View a List of Database Objects -
| | Open the database whose objects you want to view. | -
| | If necessary, click the Window menu, and then click the name of the database. | -
 | Click Tables, Queries, Forms, Reports, Pages, Macros, or Modules on the Objects bar. | -
The Database window toolbar contains buttons for commands that allow you to create, open, and manage database objects. -
The Objects bar lists the types of objects in a database. -
The Groups bar allows you to group database objects the way you want them, creating shortcuts to objects of different types.  Database Objects | Database Object | Description | | Tables | Grids that store related information, such as a list of customer addresses | | Queries | A question you ask a database to help locate specific information | | Forms | A window that is designed to help you enter information easily and accurately | | Reports | Summaries of information that are designed to be readable and accessible | | Pages | Separate files outside the Access data base in HTML format that can be placed on the Web to facilitate data sharing with the world-wide Internet community | | Macros | Stored series of commands that carry out an action | | Modules | Programs you can write using Microsoft Visual Basic | | |
