Start the Expression Builder

You can start the Expression Builder from most places where you write expressions, such as in a property sheet, a Criteria cell in the query design grid, or the Macro window.

In a property sheet or the lower pane of the Macro window

1. Do one of the following:

   To start the Expression Builder in a property, open the property sheet by doing one of the following:

   • To set properties for a form or report, double-click the form selector or the report selector.

   • To set properties for a data access page, click Select Page on the Edit menu, and then click Properties on the toolbar.
   • To set properties for a table or query, click Properties on the toolbar.
   • To set properties for a section on a form or report, double-click the section selector.
   • To set properties for a section on a data access page, double-click the section bar.
   • To set properties of a query field, click the cell in the Field row, and then click Properties on the toolbar.
   • To set properties of a query field list, click anywhere in the list, and then click Properties on the toolbar.
   • To set properties for the body of a data access page, click above the first section, and then click Properties on the toolbar.
   • To set properties for a control, click the control, and then click Properties on the toolbar.

   Open a macro in macro Design view

   1. In the Database window, click Macros under Objects.
   2. Click the name of the macro you want to open.
   3. Click the Design button on the Database window toolbar.

    

2. Click the property or action argument box that will contain the expression.
3. Click the Build button next to the property or argument box.

   If a property has more than one builder associated with it, Microsoft Access displays the Choose Builder dialog box. Click Expression Builder and click OK.

Note   If the property box or argument box where you start the Expression Builder already contains a value, that value is automatically copied into the expression box.

In the query design grid or a macro condition

You can start the Expression Builder in a Field or Criteria cell in query Design view or in the Condition column of the Macro window.

1. Right-click where you want to insert the expression.
2. On the shortcut menu, click Build.

Note   If the cell or Condition column where you start the Expression Builder already contains a value, that value is automatically copied into the expression box.