Access makes managing data easy, enabling you to set up a database quickly, enter records into that database, and then use the data however you like. With Access, you can organize data into tables, design forms for editing and reports for presenting, and create queries for finding information!
Navigating the Access ribbon with key tips
If you like keyboard shortcuts when you’re working with software, Access has a Key Tips feature that can help make entering data move more quickly. The following section describes how to use it:
Handy Access keyboard shortcuts
The following keyboard shortcuts are especially useful in Access. Some keystrokes work anywhere in Access, whereas others work only in specific views, as noted below.
Keystroke
Function
F1
Opens the Help window
Alt+F
Opens the File tab
Ctrl+N
Creates a new blank database
Ctrl+O
Opens an existing database
Ctrl+P
Opens the Print dialog box
F11
Shows/hides the Navigation pane
F6
Cycles through different areas of the program window
Alt+H
Displays the Home tab on the Ribbon
Alt+C
Displays the Create tab on the Ribbon
Alt+X
Displays the External Data tab on the Ribbon
Ctrl+S
Saves the current object in Design mode
Ctrl+C
Copies the selection to the Clipboard
Ctrl+V
Pastes the selection from the Clipboard
F12
Opens the Save As dialog box
Ctrl+F4
Closes the active document window
Alt+F4
Closes the active application window
Ctrl+Z
Undoes the last operation
Ctrl+;
Inserts the current date
Ctrl+:
Inserts the current time
Ctrl+’
Copies the same field data from the previous record
F2
Toggles selecting all data in the field or placing the cursor in edit mode
F9
Recalculates fields on a form or refreshes a lookup combo or list box
Ctrl+Enter
Inserts a line break in Datasheet and Form view
Ctrl+Enter
Opens the selected object from Navigation pane in Design view
Ctrl+ +
Inserts a new record
Ctrl+-
Deletes the current record
Right Arrow
Moves the selected control to the right in Design or Layout view
Left Arrow
Moves the selected control to the left in Design or Layout view
Down Arrow
Moves the selected control down in Design or Layout view
Up Arrow
Moves the selected control up in Design or Layout view
Shift+Right Arrow
Increases the selected control width in Design or Layout view
Shift+Left Arrow
Decreases the selected control width in Design or Layout view
Shift+Down Arrow
Increases the selected control height in Design or Layout
view
Shift+Up Arrow
Decreases the selected control height in Design or Layout
view
F4
Toggles the property sheet window in Design view
Shift+F2
Zooms in on the current field in Datasheet and Form view
Ken Cook built and manages a computer consulting business that has helped users for over 20 years. He's an expert at creating Microsoft Office and Access database solutions and teaches online Access courses.
Laurie Ann Ulrich has trained more than 20,000 people to make better, more creative use of their computers. She has created online courses and written more than 30 books.
