Jan's Working with Databases

Forms & Reports: Special Types

At the beginning of the lessons on forms and on reports, we mentioned some special types that you are now ready to create.

Special Forms

Switchboard Form
Switchboards are forms that let you choose one of several forms, reports, or actions. When you know what the users of your database need to do regularly, a switchboard form can present those choices handily. You can have only one of these in your database at a time.

Access 2010, 2013, 2016: Navigation Form
A navigation form is laid out like a web page navigation menu. Click an item to show it in the subform area. There are several layout options available when you create the form. You can have multiple navigation forms in your database. Only what is showing will print, just like any other form.

If the database is served over the web, the Navigation Pane does not display in a browser. So you have to have a Navigation Form or a custom form of some sort.

Custom Dialog:
When your form or report has several parameters, it is useful to create a form where the user can enter them all in a single place, instead of one at a time with the plain automatic dialogs. Such a form can also remind users of important information or choices, without cluttering up the original form.

What is a modal form?
Most custom dialogs and message boxes are modal forms that pop up on top of other windows. The user cannot change to a different window until taking an action (make a selection, click a button, enter text, close the dialog). It is frustrating when you do not realize why you cannot do anything while such a form is open!