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How to: Rename Tables

When you rename a table, the table name is automatically updated in the database when you save the table.

Note

A new version of Table Designer appears for databases in the SQL Server 2012 format. This topic describes the old version of Table Designer, which you use with databases in earlier formats of SQL Server.

In the new version, you can change a table definition through a graphical interface or directly in a script pane. If you use the graphical interface, the table’s definition is automatically updated in the script pane. To apply the SQL code in the script pane, choose the Update button. For more information about the new version, see How to: Create Database Objects Using Table Designer.

Warning

Think carefully before you rename a table. If existing queries, views, user-defined functions, stored procedures, or programs refer to that table, the name modification will make these objects invalid.

Note

The dialog boxes and menu commands you see might differ from those described in Help depending on your active settings or edition. To change your settings, choose Import and Export Settings on the Tools menu. For more information, see Customizing Development Settings in Visual Studio.

To rename a table

  1. In Server Explorer, right-click the table you want to rename and choose Open Table Definition from the shortcut menu.

    The table opens in the Table Definition window of Table Designer.

  2. Right-click the table in the Table Definition window and choose Properties from the shortcut menu.

  3. In the field for the Name value in the Properties window, type a new name for the table.

  4. To cancel this action, press the ESC key before leaving this field.

  5. From the File menu choose Save table name**.**

See Also

Other Resources

Working with Tables in Table Designer