You can use the AutoExpand property to specify whether Microsoft Access automatically fills the text box portion of a combo box with a value from the combo box list that matches the characters you enter as you type in the combo box. This lets you quickly enter an existing value in a combo box without displaying the list box portion of the combo box.
Setting
The AutoExpand property uses the following settings.
| Setting | Visual Basic | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | True (–1) | (Default) Microsoft Access fills in the combo box from the list with the first value matching the first character that you type. As you type additional characters, Microsoft Access changes the value displayed to match all the characters typed. |
| No | False (0) | You must select a value from the list or type the entire value. |
You can set the AutoExpand property by using the combo box's property sheet, a macro, or Visual Basic.
Remarks
When you enter characters in the text box portion of a combo box, Microsoft Access searches the values in the list to find those that match the characters you have typed. If the AutoExpand property is set to Yes, Microsoft Access automatically displays the first underlying value that matches the characters entered so far.
When the LimitToList property is set to Yes and the combo box list is dropped down, Microsoft Access selects matching values in the list as the user enters characters in the text box portion of the combo box, even if the AutoExpand property is set to No. If the user presses ENTER or moves to another control or record, the selected value appears in the combo box.