Creating Tables and Keys

Create a Database

Start Access → Blank desktop database, name it and Create. A blank table opens automatically in Datasheet view.

Design View - the Right Way

Right-click the table tab → Design View. List your fields, their types and size:

Field Name      Data Type
CustomerID      AutoNumber   (the primary key)
FirstName       Short Text
Email           Short Text
JoinedOn        Date/Time
Balance         Currency

Data Types You Should Know

• AutoNumber - Access makes the number; perfect for IDs.
• Short/Long Text - names, addresses, notes.
• Number & Currency - for calculations.
• Date/Time - with validation to stop bad dates.
• Yes/No - flags: Active, Paid, Approved.
• Long Text - paragraphs (memo).

Primary Keys

A primary key uniquely identifies a record - Access keys the CustomerID AutoNumber field by default. This is what relationships use to link to other tables.

Field Properties

• Required = Yes to force a value (e.g. LastName).
• Default Value - e.g. Date() for JoinedOn.
• Indexed: Yes (Duplicates OK) for searchable fields.
• Validation Rule - e.g. >0 for quantity.

Key Points

• Every table needs a primary key - usually AutoNumber.
• Тype every field deliberately; Access stores types rigidly.
• Design View is where tables are built properly - datasheet entry comes later.