I am an archaeologist who has been given the task of transforming our artifact database from Paradox into Access format. We use codes in our cataloging process to represent artifact attributes. For example, a piece of pottery is described in this way:

C = Ceramic
WE = White earthenware
WW = Whiteware
R = Rim
HP = Hand Painted
GREE = Green

So, our data entry uses the codes which ideally transform into text in another column to facilitate a report without codes visible.
Although I have figured ot the list/combo boxes for the code columns, I can not figure out how to have the code appear in one column and the text appear in another in my data entry table.
I tried creating relationships between columns with the code and text but this did not work. Since Paradox did this automatically, I am at a loss. Does anyone have some advice? I would greatly appeciate it!
Thank You, Michelle

To do what you require, you use a feature called Auto Lookup, which is well documented in Help.

You will require two tables, one with a Unique Index (Primary Key or field with no duplicates allowed) comprising your codes. The other field in that table will contain your extended descriptions. That table will be on the one side of a one-to-many relationship with your detail table. The detail table does not have to store the descriptors, only the codes.

By creating a query based on these two tables, you only have to enter the short code into the field from the "many" side, and Access automatically fetches the descriptor from the "one" side.

Your query can be the basis for a form or report which only shows the descriptors.

The Help file is clearer than my ramblings!