Create an input mask

In a Microsoft Access database, you can create an input mask in Design view of a table, query, or form.

Create an input mask for a field in table Design view

1. Open a table in Design view.
2. In the upper portion of the window, click the field you want to define an input mask for.
3. In the lower portion of the window, do one of the following:

   Click the Build button next to the InputMask property box to start the Input Mask Wizard, and then follow the instructions in the wizard dialog boxes.

   Type the input mask definition. For more information on defining the input mask, click the InputMask property box and press F1. You must type the input mask definition manually for Number and Currency fields.

Create an input mask for a field in query Design view

1. Open a query in Design view.
2. In the query design grid, place the insertion point in the column for the field you want to change. You can place the insertion point in any row for that field.
3. Click Properties on the toolbar to open the property sheet for that field.
4. On the General tab, do one of the following:

   Click the Build button next to the InputMask property to start the Input Mask Wizard, and then follow the instructions in the wizard dialog boxes.

   Type the input mask definition. For more information on defining the input mask, click the InputMask property box and press F1. You must type the input mask definition manually for Number and Currency fields.

Create an input mask for a control on a form