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Create drop down/check box list in Access form where all that can apply can be selected

Anonymous
2020-09-19T00:22:47+00:00

I need to create a drop down/ check box list for a field in a form on MS Access.  The entries in the drop down / check box list should be listed in alphabetical order.  This needs to be a check box type of thing where ‘all that apply’ can be selected.  There also need to be an option for typing in fields not in the check box list. 

Please help! Is this possible in Access?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Access | For home | Windows

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  1. George Hepworth 22,680 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2020-09-20T20:18:42+00:00

    Hi, What Daniel, Ken and I are all suggesting is that you NOT pursue that plan for a drop down box based on a Multi-Value Field. In my 2 decades of experience with Access, I've made nearly every possible mistake, some more than once. One I will not repeat,  though, is trying to use Multi-Value Fields in Access. It's a doughnut too many.

    Ken's sample is a much more reliable way to proceed.

    If you persist in going down the MVF path, of course, you'll gain a bit of experience that will serve you well in the future, but it'll come the hard way.

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  2. Anonymous
    2020-09-19T18:21:30+00:00

    You might like to take a look at DatabaseBasics.zip in my public databases folder at:

    https://onedrive.live.com/?cid=44CC60D7FEA42912&id=44CC60D7FEA42912!169

    In this little demo file the section on 'entering data via a form/subforms' includes a simple Contacts form in which one or more employers for each contact can be selected in a subform.  It also illustrates how a new employer can be typed in and inserted as anew row into the Employers table by means of code in the combo box's NotInList event procedure.

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  3. George Hepworth 22,680 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2020-09-19T13:34:45+00:00

    To be clear here, Daniel is 100% correct, IMO. Multi-Value fields are seductive, but so is an extra doughnut with your morning coffee. Sooner or later, you come to regret it.

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  4. Anonymous
    2020-09-19T10:48:24+00:00

    Although multi values fields look very appealing be forewarned most experienced developer avoid them like the plague!

    Why not simply use a listbox?

    Another option would be a continuous form that you insert as a subform.

    Things like Select All, are commands you need to create yourself.

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  5. Anonymous
    2020-09-19T08:27:25+00:00

    Hi Alexandria (biancoam),

    I go through the post carefully, as per my test, I can add combo box as screenshot below:

     

    Do you want something like this? Here is an article that may help: Create or delete a multivalued field

    Hope these can help.

    Regards,

    Clark

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