Creating an Access desktop database using a template is a time-saving alternative to creating a database from scratch. Microsoft Access templates are designed to be total end-to-end database solutions. This means that when you open an Access template file, a complete database application is created that contains all the elements you need to start working right away. That’s a huge time saver, because it enables you to use the database immediately without spending time planning and designing one from scratch.
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Access templates are designed to meet specific data management needs but can be customized to better suit your own needs. You can use one of the templates that comes installed with Access or download one from the Microsoft Office Web site (free to use).
In this tutorial, we’ll walk through the steps on how to create an Access desktop database using a template.
Using a Pre-Installed Template
To create a desktop database using a template that comes pre-installed with Access, follow these steps:
1. On the Access Home screen, click New in the left navigation pane.
2. On the New screen, browse the templates available and select one by clicking its thumbnail image.
3. In the Template Details box, change the generic default file name in the File Name input field to something more descriptive.
Important! When changing the file name, change only the part preceding the dot. Do not alter the .accdb file name extension (see below).
4. Click the folder icon to the right of the File Name input field if you want to change where the file is stored. The path to where the file will be stored is displayed underneath the File Name input field.
5. Click Create.
Note: If the template you’re using contains active content, Access will issue a security warning.
How to Handle an Active Content Security Warning
Active content is dynamic Web content that provides additional functionality to programs, such as with macros, JavaScript, streaming audio and video, etc.
Malware and other harmful security threats are sometimes embedded in active content by hackers and other unscrupulous individuals.
When Access discovers active content in a template, it disables it as a security precaution.
You could still use the template, but it would not be fully functional, as some of its features would be disabled.
Always use a trusted source when downloading templates from third-party Web sites.
We chose a template that was pre-installed with Access, so we are sure it is safe to use.
We will click Enable Content in the warning message bar so the new database template functions the way it was designed to.
Using an Online Template
To search the Microsoft Office Web site for an Access template,
1. Click New in the left navigation pane on the Access Home screen.
2. Use the Search feature in Access to find a template online.
You can narrow your search by clicking one of the categories in the Suggested searches list.
This allows you to see templates belonging to that category.
3. Click on the thumbnail image of a template to select it.
4. Click Create.
Creating an Access desktop database using a template is a simple and effective way to start working with Microsoft Access. Templates provide a structure that can be customized to suit your needs, saving you time and effort. By following the steps outlined in this tutorial, you can create a professional-looking database in minutes.