Access 2010

Adding records and entering data

Entering data into tables in Access is similar to entering data in Excel. To work with records, you'll have to enter data into cells. If you need help entering data into records, you may want to review our Excel 2010 Cell Basics lesson.

To add a new record:

There are three ways to add a new record to a table:

• In the Records group on the Home tab, click the New command.
  Adding a new record from the Ribbon
• On the Record Navigation bar at the bottom of the window, click the New Record button.
  Adding a new record from the Record Navigation bar
• Simply begin typing in the row below your last added record.
  Adding a new record by typing in the row under the last record

Occasionally when you enter information into a record, a window will pop up to tell you the information you've entered is invalid. This means the field you're working with has a validation rule, which is a rule about the type of data that can appear in that field. Click OK, then follow the instructions in the pop-up window to re-enter your data.

An example of a validation warning

To save a record:

1. Select the Home tab, and locate the Records group.
2. Click the Save command.
   Saving a record
   

Be sure to save any unsaved records before closing a table. Access will not prompt you to save them when you close the table.