Microsoft Access Printing Issues

Question

Hi,  I am new to creating database in Access.  I need help with printing a form.  I have created the form from a table and selected print but all i get on the preview and print out is the Form Header.  All the fields and details in the Detail section is not there.  I have tried to create a report with the details on it but that involves a few more steps that i am trying to learn.  The data base is used for telephone bookings of our business so each record has a unique booking reference and details.  Some are selected from a combo box others free text entry.  I have tried to print screen but that doesn't work either.  I now it can be done but i read so much on the internet that i think i have confused myself and my data base!!!

Answer 1

Forms were not designed for printing. Reports are designed for that task. 

You can convert a form to a report. In Design mode right click on the title bar of the form, and one of the options should be to output the form as a report. You can then modify the generated report to suit. 

I also agree with ken to continue to learn. Just because you have learned how to (and are comfortable) use a hammer doesn't mean you should use one to drive a screw. Access is an amazing tool that can do amazing things. But you should learn what tools are used for what tasks and use them properly.

Answer 2

I would advise you to continue learning about printing a report of the current record.  It's far better to use a report for any printed output and it opens up other possibilities such as outputting the data as a PDF file, and emailing the report.

You'll find an example as Invoice.zip in my public databases folder at:

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

If you have difficulty opening the link copy its text (NB, not the link location) and paste it into your browser's address bar.

In this little demo file the report (invoice) can be viewed in print preview, which then enables it to be printed of course, and/or output or emailed as a PDF file.   When outputting a report as a PDF file the OutputTo method, unlike the OpenReport method, does not include a WhereCondition argument, so the restriction of the report to the current record is done by referencing the control in the form bound to primary key (the invoice number in my case) as a parameter.