Creating an Access Database from Scratch

Access will now present you with a spreadsheet-style interface, shown in the image above, that helps you create your database tables.

The first spreadsheet will help you create your first table. As you can see in the image above, Access begins by creating an AutoNumber field named ID that you can use as your primary key. To create additional fields, simply double-click on the top cell in a column (the row with a darker blue shade) and type the name of the field into that cell. When you've finished typing in the field name, press Enter. You can then use the Data Type and Format controls in the Ribbon to customize the field.

Continue adding fields in this same manner until you've created your entire table. Once you've finished building the table, click the Save icon on the Quick Access toolbar. Access will then ask you to provide a name for your table. You can also create additional tables by selecting the Table icon in the Create tab of the Access Ribbon.

If you need help grouping your information into appropriate tables, you may wish to read our article What is a Database? that explains the structure of database tables. If you're having difficulty navigating in Access 2007 or using the Access Ribbon or Quick Access toolbar, read our article Access 2007 Tour: The New User Interface.