Rename a Column

The name of a column in a table in your database diagram shows the name of the column as it is stored in the database. You can rename a column directly in your table in the database diagram and the database will be updated with the new name when you save the table or database diagram.

Column names are stored in the case (uppercase or lowercase) in which they appear in your database diagram.

Caution   Renaming a column may affect triggers, stored procedures, constraints, views, and user-defined functions. Consider renaming a column before you create these other objects.

1. In the Database window, click Database Diagrams   under Objects, click the database diagram you want to open, and then click Design on the Database window toolbar.
2. In your database diagram, select the table whose column you want to rename.
3. If only the table name is shown in the database diagram, right-click the table and select Column Properties, Column Names, Keys, or Custom View from the shortcut menu.
4. In the cell that shows the column name you want to change, type a new column name.

The column is renamed in your table or database diagram as soon as you exit the cell that shows the column name. The column is renamed in your database when you save the table or database diagram.