Create your first database query in Access

Have you ever wondered how to effectively use Access and target your data queries? In this guide, I will show you how to create your first query in Microsoft Access. Once you have mastered the basics, you can achieve much more with your data.

Key Insights Queries in Access allow you to select, sort, and filter data precisely. Unlike working directly in the tables, you can easily save and reuse queries to display data only when you need it. This helps maintain the clarity of your database.

Step-by-Step Guide

Open Query Wizard

To start your first query, you need to open the Query Wizard or the Query Design in Access. To do this, navigate to the "Create" tab and select "Query". There, you can either use the wizard or start a query design directly.

Select Table for the Query

In the query design, you will be asked which tables you want to use for your query. Select the table from which you want to display data and add it to the query. Then close the selection window to continue.

Select Fields for the Query

Now you will see all fields of the selected table in a box. Drag the desired fields, such as "First Name" and "Last Name", into the query. Alternatively, you can also double-click on the fields to add them.

View and Edit Query

Once you have added the fields, you can view the query immediately without having to save it first. This allows you to make changes quickly and adjust the query as needed.

Add Sortings

To further refine the query, you can add sortings. Click on the "First Name" field and choose "Ascending" or "Descending" in the sorting field. You also have the option to sort by multiple fields.

Use SQL View

If you already have experience with SQL, you can also use the SQL view in Access. This allows you to create detailed and complex queries. Click on the corresponding button in design mode to open the SQL view.

Show All Fields

If you want to display all fields of a table at once, you can do this by using the placeholder "*" (asterisk) in the query design. This will display all fields of the selected table in the query.

Customize Query

Consider if you want to add additional filters or sortings. You can remove fields at any time or add new fields to optimize the query precisely to your needs.

Save Query

After you have created and tested the query, it is time to save it. Click on the save icon and choose a concise name for your query. Ensure that the name is meaningful to maintain clarity.

Check Query Output

Call up the saved query and check whether all desired data is displayed correctly. Make sure that the fonts, colors, and formats are consistent to ensure readability.

Summary – The Path to Your First Database Query in Access

In this guide, you learned how to create a query in Microsoft Access. You discovered important tools to retrieve, sort, and display data, and how to save your queries sensibly. Use this knowledge to make your database even more effective.