In a form, create a bound list box or combo box that displays data in an Access database

You can create a list box or combo box that retrieves information from a Lookup field in a table in a Microsoft Access database (.mdb). There are no Lookup fields in the tables in a Microsoft Access project (.adp), but you can create a bound list box, combo box, or drop-down list box that displays data without using a Lookup field.

1. Create a Lookup field in table Design view.

   How?

   Note   You can create a lookup list box or combo box without creating a Lookup field, but if you create a Lookup field in a table, you only need to create the list box or combo box once. Then you can use the same lookup list on any form. If you don't plan to use the same lookup list in more than one form, you can use the List Box Wizard or Combo Box Wizard in form Design view.

2. Do one of the following:
   • Create a new form that is based on a record source that includes the Lookup field that you created in step 1. Microsoft Access automatically creates the lookup list box or combo box.
     
     
   • Open an existing form that is based on a record source that includes the Lookup field you created in step 1. In form Design view, click Field List on the toolbar to display the field list, and then drag the Lookup field from the field list to the form. Microsoft Access automatically creates the lookup list box or combo box.
3. Switch to Form view to test the list box or combo box.

Notes

• For information on properties that determine how a list box or combo box works, click .
  
  
• When you use a wizard to create a list box or combo box that is based on a table or query, Microsoft Access creates an SQL statement based on the fields that you select, and then sets the RowSource property for the control to that SQL statement. If the list box or combo box isn't sorted the way that you want, you can modify the SQL statement by clicking the Build button next to the RowSource. For information on specifying a sort order in the SQL Statement Builder, click .
  
  
• For information on troubleshooting list boxes and combo boxes, click .