Formatting is lost after exporting table/query as text file due to design.
Cause:
Text files do not preserve the formatting of the original table.
Solution:
As a workaround, export the table or query as an .RTF file.
NOTE: Tables, queries, forms, and reports can be exported as Rich Text Format files. Objects that are saved as Rich Text Format preserve most formatting from the original objects. All objects are saved as tables, which can then be opened and edited using Microsoft Word or other word processing packages.
1) Open the desired database.
2) If the Database window is not active, activate the Database window.
3) In the Database window, click the appropriate tab.
4) Select the object to export.
5) Select the 'File' menu and select 'Save As/Export...'. (The Save As... dialog box appears.)
6) Select the 'To an external File or Database' radio button.
the To an external File or Database radio button
7) Click 'OK'. (The Save <Object> <Object Name> In dialog box appears, where <Object> is the selected object type and <Object Name> is the name of the selected object.)
8) Select 'Rich Text Format(*.rft)' from the 'Save as type' drop-down list.
NOTE: The 'Save Formatted' check box is selected automatically and is dimmed when the above option is selected.
Selecting the Rich Text Format file type
9) Select the drive where the new file is to be stored from the 'Save in' drop-down list.
10) Select the specific folder in which to store the file.
NOTE: If the file is to be stored in a subfolder, continue selecting folders until the desired folder is displayed in the 'Save in' drop-down list box.
11) Do one of the following:
a) Type a name for the file in the 'File name' drop-down list box.
b) Accept the name suggested by Access.
12) Click 'Export'.
Exporting a Rich Text Format file
NOTE: Access uses the field names from the table or query as the header row in Word. Field names longer than 20 characters are truncated. Characters other than letters, numbers, and underscores are all converted to underscores.