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Create a Table
How to Create a Table in Access

In Access, you have several options when creating tables. You can create a new blank table from scratch or set up tables that are connected to SharePoint lists. If you use one of the Quick Start options in the Application Parts to create a new database, tables with predefined fields will be created.
Create a New Blank Table
- Click the Create tab.
- Click Table.
A new table appears in Datasheet View. You can start entering data right away, but you should add some fields first.
- Click the Click to Add field heading.
A list of data types appears. See the table at the end of this lesson to learn more about your options.
- Select the field type.
When selecting a field type, select the smallest or shortest field that is required for your data. For example, don’t choose Large Number if you only need to store a 2-digit number.
- Type a name for the field.
To change the name of a field header, double-click the field header and type the field name you want to use.
- Repeat Steps 3-5 to add the remaining fields to your table.
- When you’re finished adding fields, click the Close button and click Yes to save your changes.
- Enter a name for your new table.
- Click OK.
Create a Table in Design View
Design View allows you to create a table with more ease.
- Click the Create tab.
- Click Table Design.
A new table appears in the window in Design View.
- Enter a field name in the Field Name column and press Enter.
- Click the Data Type list arrow and select a data type for the field.
See the table at the end of this lesson for more information about data types.
- Repeat steps 3-4 to add as many fields as you want.
- When you’re finished, click the Close button. Save and name your table.
That’s all there is to creating a table!
Create a Table from Application Parts
You can also create a table using an application part template. An Application Part is a predefined part of a database, such as a table or form, that you can quickly insert and use in a database.
- Click the Create tab on the ribbon.
- Click Application Parts.
The application parts menu appears. The Quick Start section contains templates for creating tables.
- Select a template from the Quick Start section.
The Create Relationship wizard appears, where you can enter information about the new table.
- Complete the steps in the Create Relationship wizard.
- When you’re finished, click the Close button. Save and name your table
Access creates a new table from the application part template you selected.
Create a SharePoint List Table
SharePoint lists can be created within Access. To do this, you need to have an existing SharePoint site that you can add the SharePoint list too.
- Click the Create tab on the ribbon.
- Click the SharePoint Lists button in the Tables group.
- Select the relevant type of list you want to create – either Contacts, Tasks, Issues or Events.
Select Custom if you wish to specify your own fields or choose Existing SharePoint List if you want to link to a list that has previously been created on the SharePoint site.
- Enter the SharePoint URL address, a name for the new list, and any other information you’d like.
- Click OK.
Data Type | Example | Description |
---|---|---|
Short Text | First Name: John | Stores text, numbers, or a combination of both; up to 255 characters long. Text fields are the most common of all data types. |
Number | Age: 31 | Stores numbers that can be used in calculations. |
Large Number | Cells in Human Body: 30,000,000,000,000 | Stores huge numbers (2^63), usually only used for scientific purposes. |
Currency | Price: $84.95 | Stores numbers and symbols that represent money. |
Date & Time | Birthday: April 7, 1969 | Stores dates, times, or both. |
Yes/No | Employed? Yes | Stores only one of two values, such as Yes or No; True or False; etc. |
Lookup & Relationship | Purpose of Trip: ![]() |
A wizard that helps you create a field whose values are selected from a table, query, or a preset list of values. |
Rich Text | Instructions: | Stores long text entries that can include font and paragraph formatting. |
Long Text | Notes: Sally displays a high amount of… | Stores long text entries such as notes or anything else that requires a lot of space. |
Attachment | Photo: ![]() |
Stores attachments such as a Word document or photo. |
Hyperlink | Website: www.customguide.com | Stores clickable links to files on your computer, on the network, or to web pages on the internet. |
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