Exercise 3: Creating a new Web database form

In this task, you will create a new Web form for viewing information from the Jobs table that you created in Exercise 1. In addition, you will modify the main navigation form to include a link to the new job viewing form. A navigation form (not to be confused with the Access navigation pane) is a new feature in Access 2010. Navigation forms enable database developers to provide a structure for users so that they can access relevant database objects as needed. Navigation forms are the glue that transforms a database into an application rather than some unorganized collection of tables, reports, queries, and forms.

Task 1 – Create the Jobs form

1. Select Jobs table in the Navigation pane

2. In the Forms group of the Create tab, click on Multiple Items

   Figure 27

   Multiple Items

3. Observe that Access creates a form for you. This form displays all items from the Jobs table and allows you to edit items.
4. Adjust the height and width of the columns.
   1. Place the cursor in any cell in the Position Title column
   2. Choose Select Column from the Arrange tab on the ribbon
   3. Adjust columns by dragging the edge to reduce the column width. Adjust rows by dragging the bottom edge to reduce the height.
5. From the drop-down list at the top of the Property Sheet, select FormHeader

6. Set the value of the Back Color to Accent 1, Lighter 40%. Click on the ellipsis button in the Back Color property and select the color shown in the 3rd row of the 5th column.

   Figure 28

   Set Back Color

7. On the Design tab in the ribbon, select ViewForm View. Observe that in a few simple steps, you have created a functional form.

   Figure 29

   Form View

8. Save and close the form
9. Close the Jobs form

Task 2 – Modify the Navigation form

Now that you have successfully created the form, you need to give users an easy way to get to it. In this next task, you will modify the main navigation form so that it contains a link to the Jobs form.

1. Open the Main form in Layout view. Note that if you had the Main form open when making changes to the Jobs form in the previous task, you need to close the Main form and re-open it to see the changes you made to the Jobs form.

2. Drag the Jobs form from the Navigation pane and drop it in between the Address Book tab and Datasheet tab

   Figure 30

   Drag Jobs Form to Navigation Tabs

3. Observe that Access modifies the Navigation pane and shows the Jobs form

   Figure 31

   Jobs Form

4. Press Ctrl + S to save your work