Hiding and showing columns in a database table

While you are working in a table you might find it convenient to hide one or more columns. This is useful if you are currently working with only a few of the columns and find the others a temporary distraction.

Ability prevents you from hiding all the columns by ensuring that at least one column remains visible, but you are free to hide all the rest.

To show hidden columns, do this:

  1. Right-click your mouse and select Show Columns. The Columns page of the "Format Query" is displayed. The hidden columns are shown in the Available Fields box.

  2. Click on a column that you want to show again and then click on Add. The column will be moved to the Selected Fields box.

  3. Repeat the operation till all the columns you want to show are moved to Selected Fields.

  4. If you want to show all the hidden columns, click on Add All.

  5. Click OK and the table will be redrawn with the selected columns shown.

Ability will hide columns until you choose to show them again or until you close the table. When you next open the table all previously hidden columns will be displayed once again. However, if you think you might want to hide the same columns frequently, you can create a columns selection, which can be applied at any time to your table.

See:

Hiding and showing columns using a columns selection.