Assigning Macros to Events in MOS Access

Key Concepts

1. Events in MOS Access

Events in Microsoft Office Access (MOS Access) are specific actions or occurrences that can trigger a response. Common events include clicking a button, opening a form, or changing a value in a text box.

2. Macros

Macros are automated sequences of actions that can be executed in response to specific events. They help streamline repetitive tasks and enhance the functionality of your database.

3. Assigning Macros to Events

Assigning macros to events involves linking a macro to a specific event. When the event occurs, the macro is automatically executed, performing the predefined actions.

4. Event Properties

Event properties are settings that define the actions that occur in response to specific events. These properties allow you to specify which macro should run when an event is triggered.

5. Common Events

Common events in MOS Access include:

• On Click: Triggered when a button or control is clicked.
• On Open: Triggered when a form or report is opened.
• On Change: Triggered when the value in a text box or control changes.
• On Enter: Triggered when a control receives focus.
• On Exit: Triggered when a control loses focus.

Detailed Explanation

Assigning Macros to Events

To assign a macro to an event in MOS Access, follow these steps:

1. Open your MOS Access database.
2. Go to the "Create" tab and click "Macro" to create a new macro.
3. Add the actions you want the macro to perform.
4. Save the macro with an appropriate name.
5. Open the form or control where you want to assign the macro.
6. Go to the "Design" tab and click on "Property Sheet" to display the Property Sheet.
7. Select the event you want to assign the macro to (e.g., On Click, On Open).
8. In the event property, select the macro you created from the dropdown list.
9. Save the form or control.
10. Test the event by triggering it (e.g., clicking the button) to ensure the macro runs correctly.

Event Properties

To set event properties in MOS Access, follow these steps:

1. Open the form or control where you want to set the event properties.
2. Go to the "Design" tab and click on "Property Sheet" to display the Property Sheet.
3. Select the event you want to set (e.g., On Click, On Open).
4. In the event property, enter the code or macro that should run when the event is triggered.
5. Save the form or control.
6. Test the event to ensure the properties are set correctly.

Common Events

To use common events in MOS Access, follow these steps:

1. Open the form or control where you want to use the event.
2. Go to the "Design" tab and click on "Property Sheet" to display the Property Sheet.
3. Select the event you want to use (e.g., On Click, On Open).
4. In the event property, enter the code or macro that should run when the event is triggered.
5. Save the form or control.
6. Test the event to ensure it works as expected.

Examples and Analogies

Think of assigning macros to events as setting up automatic responses to specific actions. For example, if you were setting up a macro to automatically save a form when a button is clicked, it would be like setting up a camera to take a picture when you press a button.

For instance, if you were creating a macro to automatically calculate totals when a form is opened, it would be like setting up a calculator to automatically display the sum of numbers when you open it.

Common events are like triggers in a domino chain. When one event (domino) falls, it triggers the next event (domino) in the sequence, leading to a series of actions.

By mastering the assignment of macros to events in MOS Access, you can create dynamic and interactive databases that respond automatically to user actions, enhancing both functionality and user experience.