Input Masks are a field property that automatically formats phone numbers, social security numbers, zip codes and other data so that all you have to do is enter in the numbers and the punctuation will take care of itself. Let's go over to our SalesReps table, right-click on it and open it in Design View. Go down to the HomePhone field, and in the Field Properties at the bottom, find Input Mask and click on that line. On the right hand side, you will see a Build button, the top option is Phone Number.
We will click Next. Here is what the Input Mask will look like. Right now, the Placeholder character showing you at a type; is an underscore, which works well because it looks like an underline. But if you like it to be in number sign or other symbol, you can change it. I will click Next. Now, it asks me how I want to store the data. I want to store it with the symbols in the mask with the parentheses and the spaces and the dashes. That way, it will be formatted in my reports. I could also save it without the punctuation. I will click Next and Finish and there is my Input Mask.
Let's do the same thing for CellPhone. I go down to the Input Mask row, the Build button. Now it asks if I want to save the table and I do, so I will click Yes. Again, we want a phone number. Next>Next, change it to With the symbols in the mask, Next and Finish. Now, let's try it with our Social Security Number (SSN). The first steps are the same, Input Mask, Build. Save the table and the second line is the Social Security Number.
I will choose Next and Next. Again, I will save the symbols and then Finish. Now, let's see in action. I will go up to my ribbon and change to the data sheet view. I will save the table when it asks. And let's go down and see what happens when we enter in a new record. I am going to jump over here to my phone number. It works best if you Tab into the field so that your cursor is waiting for you in the beginning. That way when you type your numbers, you are exactly where you need to be.
If you click into the field, your cursor is going to wind up where ever you click and if you start typing, you will start typing your numbers somewhere in the middle of the mask. We don't want to do that, so I will go back to the beginning. Now, I will put in my Social Security Number and the symbols pop in automatically. So, to save time, when entering numbers that include punctuation from phone numbers to dates, create an Input Mask so that you will only need to type the digits, and let Access take care of the rest.
Author
Released
2/8/2011- Creating new field with field templates
- Understanding errors
- Filtering data
- Aligning and distributing controls
- Customizing the interface
- Navigating quickly between records
- Speeding up data entry
- Analyzing a table for redundant data
- Creating a multi-field primary key
- Moving records with append and delete queries
- Transforming a query into a PivotTable or PivotChart
- Working with images, charts, and Smart Tags in forms
- Hiding duplicates in reports
- Formatting shortcuts
- Using macros
Skill Level Intermediate
Duration
Views
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Excel 2010: Pivot Tables
with Curt Frye3h 43m Intermediate
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Introduction
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Welcome47s
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1. Top Tips
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Using input masks2m 39s
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Four ways to filter data2m 56s
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2. File Management
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Opening recent files2m 33s
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3. Ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar Tips
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4. Interface Shortcuts
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Right-clicking2m 47s
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Using keyboard shortcuts2m 50s
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5. Navigation Shortcuts
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6. Data Entry and Editing Shortcuts
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Undo and Redo tips2m 18s
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Copying and pasting content2m 44s
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Inserting today's date1m 10s
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Using AutoCorrect1m 36s
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Using concatenated fields2m 16s
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Linking Outlook contacts2m 23s
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7. Table Techniques
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Creating Quick Start fields1m 49s
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Saving application parts2m 43s
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Setting default field types2m 55s
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Using flag fields2m 1s
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Using an index2m 4s
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Filtering by selection1m 25s
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8. Relationship Techniques
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Using subdatasheets1m 27s
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Using relationship reports1m 55s
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9. Query Techniques
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Using wildcards5m 40s
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Using IN instead of OR1m 29s
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Changing captions1m 30s
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Finding duplicate records2m 13s
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Using make-table queries2m 12s
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Creating an update query2m 55s
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Using SQL statements2m 31s
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10. Form Techniques
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Creating option groups2m 43s
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Creating tabbed form layouts4m 45s
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Inserting charts3m 41s
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Creating your own smart tags1m 24s
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Hiding fields in printouts1m 26s
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Setting tab stops3m 41s
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11. Report Techniques
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Creating headers and footers5m 49s
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12. Formatting Shortcuts
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Using the Format Painter2m 25s
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13. Macro and Event Techniques
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Using AutoExec macros1m 53s
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14. Database Management Techniques
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Saving templates2m 10s
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Locking files42s
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Conclusion
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Goodbye44s
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Video: Using input masks