Creating a Lookup Field
The Lookup Wizard helps you create a field that displays either of two kinds of lists during data entry: a Lookup list that displays values looked up from an existing table or query, or a Value list that displays a fixed set of values you enter when you create the field. Because values are limited to a predefined list, using Lookup fields helps you avoid data entry errors in situations where only a limited number of possible values are allowed. The lists are not limited to a single column. You can include additional columns that could include descriptive information for the various choices in the list. However, only a single column, called the bound column, contains the data that is extracted from the list and placed into the Lookup field.
Create a Field Based on a Lookup List
| Display the table in Design view, enter a new field, click the Data Type list arrow, and then click Lookup Wizard. |
| Click the I Want The Lookup Column To Look Up The Values In A Table Or Query option, and then click Next. |
| Select the table or query you want to use for the Lookup list, and then click Next. |
| Select the fields that you want to appear in the Lookup list, and then click Next. |
| Choose a sort order for the Lookup list, and then click Next. |
Resize the column widths in the Lookup list, indicate whether or not to include the primary key column, and then click Next.
If the table or query lacks a primary key, you will be prompted for the column that will act as the bound column. Otherwise the primary key will be the bound column. | Enter a label for the Lookup column, and then click Finish. |
Create a Field Based on a Value List
| Display the table in Design view, enter a new field, click the Data Type list arrow, and then click Lookup Wizard. |
| Click the I Will Type In The Values That I Want option, and then click Next. |
| Specify the number of columns you want in the Value list. |
| Enter the values in the list. If necessary, resize the column widths. Click Next to continue. |
| Choose which column will act as the bound column, and then click Next. |
| Enter a label for the Lookup column. |
| Click Finish. |
|