Creating Input Masks

An input mask allows you to control what values a database user can enter into a field. Input masks consist of literal characters , such as spaces, dots, parentheses, and placeholders. A placeholder is a text character, such as the underline symbol (_), that indicates where the user should insert values. An input mask for a phone number field might appear as follows : (_ _ _) _ _ _ - _ _ _ _ . The parenthesis and dash characters act as literal characters, and the underscore character acts as a placeholder for the phone number values. Access provides several predefined input masks, which cover most situations, but you can create your own customized masks, if necessary. The Input Mask Wizard is available only for text and date fields. If you want to create an input mask for numeric fields, you must enter the formatting symbols yourself.

Specify an Input Mask

Display the table in Design view, and then click a field for which you want to specify an input mask.

Click the Input Mask box.

Click the Build button to start the Input Mask Wizard.

Scroll thru the predefined list to find an input mask form.

Type some sample values to see how the input mask affects your sample values, and then click Next.

If you change the input mask, type new formatting codes.

If you want to display a different placeholder, click the Placeholder list arrow, and select the placeholder you want to use.

Enter values to test the final version of your input mask, and then click Next.

Indicate whether you want to store the input mask symbols along with the data values.

Click Next, and then click Finish.