Lesson9.5.Applying Special Effects

Lesson 9.5. Applying Special Effects

Figure 9-7. Applying a special effect to a control.

You can apply special-effect formatting to the controls in your forms and reports to give them a polished, high-tech appearance. For example, you can give a form a three-dimensional look by applying a sunken or raised effect to its controls. Applying special-effect formatting is pretty straightforward: Simply select the controls you want to format and then select one of the six special-effect options (listed in Table 9-4) from the Special Effect button list.

1. Make sure the frmCustomers form is open in Design view.

   Normally, you will want to apply special-effect formatting to both a control and its corresponding text label, so you will have to select both controls using one of the multiple-selection techniques you've (hopefully) learned.

2. Click the CustomerID text box control to select it, then hold down the Shift key as you click the CustomerID text label.

   You're ready to apply a special effect to both controls.

3. Click the Special Effect button list arrow on the Formatting toolbar and select Special Effect: Raised, as shown in Figure 9-7.

QUICK REFERENCE

TO APPLY A SPECIAL EFFECT TO A CONTROL:

• SELECT THE CONTROL, CLICK THE SPECIAL EFFECT BUTTON LIST ARROW, AND SELECT THE DESIRED SPECIAL EFFECT.

Table 9-4. Available Special-Effect Options

Special Effect	Example	Special Effect	Example
Flat		Raised
Sunken		Etched
Shadowed		Chiseled