Although Access 2013 provides a convenient spreadsheet-style datasheet view for entering data, it isn't always a suitable tool for every data entry situation. If you're working with users you don't want to expose towards the inner workings of Access, you might opt for Access forms to produce a user-friendly experience. This walk-through outlines the entire process of creating an Access form.

01
Open Your Access Database+

Start Microsoft Access and open the database that will house your new form.

This situation utilizes a simple database to track running activity. It contains two tables: one which monitors the routes and another that tracks each run. The brand new form will allow the entry of new runs and modification of existing runs.

02
Select the Table for Your Form

Before you begin the shape creation process, choose the table that you would like to base the form upon. Using the pane on the left side from the screen, locate the appropriate table and double-click on it. This example builds an application based on the Runs table.

03
Select Create Form In the Access Ribbon

Select the Create tab around the Access Ribbon and choose the Create Form button.

04
View the Basic Form

Access presents a fundamental form based upon the table you chose. If you are seeking a fast form, this may be adequate for you. In that case, go ahead and skip to the last step of the tutorial on Making use of your Form. Otherwise, continue reading to explore changing the form layout and formatting.

05
Arrange the Form Layout

After the form is made, you're placed immediately in Layout View, where one can alter the arrangement of the form. If for some reason you're not in Layout View, choose it in the drop-down box underneath the Office button.

Out of this view, you have access towards the Form Layout Tools portion of the Ribbon. Choose the Design tab to see the icons that allow you to add new elements, affect the header/footer and apply themes for your form.

While in Layout View, you can rearrange fields around the form by dragging and dropping these to their desired location. If you want to completely remove a field, right-click on it and select the Delete food selection.

Explore the icons on the Arrange tab and experiment with the different layout options. When you're done, proceed to the next step.

06
Format the shape

After you arrange the area placement on the Microsoft Access form, you're ready to spice things up a bit by making use of customized formatting.

You should still be in Layout View at this time along the way. Go on and click on the Format tab around the ribbon to view the icons you can use to alter the color and font of text, the style of gridlines around your fields and can include a logo, among a number of other formatting tasks.

Explore the choices and customize your form.

07
Make use of your Form

To apply your form, you need to change to Form View. Click on the drop-down arrow around the Views portion of the Ribbon. Select Form View and you'll be available your form.

When you are in Form View, you are able to navigate through the records in your table by using the Record arrow icons at the end from the screen or entering several in to the "1 of x" text box. You can edit data as you notice, if you want. You can also create a new record by either clicking the icon at the end of the screen with a triangle and star or by using the next record icon to navigate past the last record in the table.