Database management can be repetitive and hectic if you’re not using the right tool. With Microsoft Access, maintaining a relationship database becomes easy.

Read on to know more about Microsoft Access and its main elements and features.

What Is Microsoft Access?

Microsoft Access is a robust productivity tool that comes with the Microsoft 365 suite. In this database, you can record, view, edit, and track data. You can even establish a relationship between the data.

Besides storing a vast amount of information, it facilitates easy data retrieval and usage on different platforms. Microsoft Access also supports integration with other tools for effortless data synchronization. Some of its major components are Tables, Forms, Reports, and Queries.

1. Backstage View

An image of the MS Access Backstage View

The Microsoft Access Backstage view is what you see when you start the Access software but don’t open a database. With Microsoft Access Backstage view, users can perform numerous database management tasks, including opening an existing database and creating a new one.

Its menu panel contains commands that you can apply to a database file. From its File ribbon, you can choose from its templates to create a new file.

2. Database

An image of the MS Access Database

Microsoft Access is a database management system (DBMS) that lets you create and manage large databases. A database helps you keep the information in an organized manner.

A database file created in Microsoft Access 2007 or later versions comes with the file extension named ACCDB, while databases created in earlier Access versions are known as MDB.

Usually, all the tables of an Access database, along with other objects, such as forms, reports, macros, and modules, are stored in a single file.

3. Relationships

A visualization of the MS Access Relationships

By establishing relationships, you can create a connection between two different tables. A relationship involves fields of two tables containing corresponding data.

Related: How to Create Relationships Between Multiple Tables Using Data Model in Excel

For example, the Student ID field of the Student Data table can be connected with a field of the same name in the Student Results table. Relationships help prevent missing data and quickly determine the results of a query.

4. Primary Keys

An image showing the MS Access Primary Key

When it comes to associating and meaningfully combining data from multiple tables in Microsoft Access, you need to use the primary key field. The primary key of one table is the foreign key in another table. One may add the primary key field in other tables to refer back to the primary key source table.

5. Tables

A visual of the MS Access Tables

Access tables look similar to an Excel spreadsheet containing rows and columns. But in Microsoft Access, rows and columns are referred to as records and fields.

Moreover, it stores the data differently than a spreadsheet. You should create one table to track each kind of information. This process is named normalization. It helps you avoid redundancies and makes a database flexible.

6. Forms

A visualization of the MS Access Forms

Microsoft Access forms let you view, enter, and edit data of one row at a time. A form usually contains command buttons and controls for performing other tasks like sending data to another tool.

Using forms, you can control how someone interacts with the database information. You can find form creation tools on the Create tab of the Access Ribbon menu. Here you can design your own form by designing a blank form. But the best option is to go through the Form Wizard.

7. Reports

A visual of the MS Access Reports

You can use Access reports to format, compile and present data. Generally, it contains answers to a specific question. Run a report at any time to get the updated database information.

It’s also feasible to format a report to present data in the most efficient way. You may format it for viewing, printing, exporting, or sending as an email attachment.

Related: What Is Microsoft SharePoint? Features and Benefits of Using It

8. Queries

An image of the MS Access Queries

The function of a query is to retrieve data that meets specific conditions from tables. You can also use it to perform some predefined calculations. On the Access desktop application, you can use queries for updating or deleting multiple records simultaneously.

Queries can be of two types: select queries and action queries. While a select query allows users to view, copy, and print retrieved data, an action query can perform a task with the data.

9. Macros

A macro is a tool that automates tasks and adds functionality to various database parts, including forms, reports, and controls. It’s a program to automate manual tasks like opening a report, running a query, copy-pasting, and table formatting in Access that you do regularly.

For instance, by attaching a macro to a command button, you can ensure that the macro runs when you click that button.

Related: How to Start Using Macros in Word

10. Modules

A module is a set of declarations and procedures that adds functionality to your database. These statements are put together as a unit. You have to use the VBA language to write modules.

There can be class modules or standard modules. The class modules are associated with forms and reports, while the standard ones are not attached to any object.

11. Input Masks

Input masks indicate the valid format of your input value in a field. However, this feature is only available for Access desktop databases.

Input masks can ensure the consistency of the entered value, especially in value-sensitive fields like phone numbers and ZIP Codes. It contains one mandatory and two optional parts, each separated by a semicolon.

12. Validation Rules

You can use these rules to validate the data you enter into a database. The expression builder can help you format the rule accurately. Microsoft Access has two types of validation rules:

Field Validation Rule

If you set a validation rule for a field, Access prevents you from leaving that field unless you enter a valid value. Suppose you add >=#12/01/2021# in the property of Validation Rule of the date field. In that case, you need to enter dates only on and after 1 December 2021.

Record Validation Rule

You can use it to control when you can save a record. This rule considers other fields in the same table and compares their values.

Microsoft Access for Managing Relational Database

When it comes to managing a relational database, Microsoft Access offers a seamless solution for business users. This article discussed the basic features of Microsoft Access, reading which you’ll have a fundamental idea about the tool.

If you're interested in learning how to create a simple database using Microsoft Access, check out the following article.