Access 2010 form defaults

[spectrum]

Every time I create a new form, I spend ages setting control colors, text fonts and sizes, No themes on command buttons etc. Can anyone tell me if and where I can set all the defaults I want for forms. I don't want 2 colors per foreground etc etc. It's driving me crazy setting things up before I can start coding. Thanks

 

[NickHa]

In Access Options, go to the Object Designers tab, then find Forms/Reports. There you can set up your default template (a form of your own design) for use on new forms.

 

[spectrum]

Thanks, I had looked there bofore, but it is so limited. Form Template and Report Template are set as normal. Have I got to make a form and use it as a template? I want to get rid of all future command buttons not using Themes, I want to get rid of all the hover over colors, double coloured items. Every time I add say a label, the foregoround color is a pale grey, I want black that people can see. I seem to be wasting so much time just because someone has been over clever in the software design. Thanks

 

[spectrum]

I just made a blank database. I created a form. I put objects on the form, ie command button, listbox, textbox etc, and set then all as I want them as default. I saved the database as MyTemplate1.

Went into object designers from fresh opening of Access, and made my form template name MyTemplate1.

I then closed, went off and then opened Access, created a blank database and form, and every object I put on there still had the unwanted properties.

What am I doing wrong?? Thanks

 

[vbaInet]

Have a look at the following link:

http://allenbrowne.com/ser-43.html

 

[spectrum]

Many thanks. So from what I quickly read through, it's a cut and aste job each time I want a form, if that the case then what a bodge. I hope I have read it wrong!! So going back to Object Designers, what are the boxes for Report and Form template names? Thanks again

 

[vbaInet]

It's only a copy and paste, how much simpler can it get! Do you want an interface that first of all Opens up a Dialog box, you Select the template you want, click an OK button, the computer churns and gives you a template. Or do you want a two step, Copy and Paste process? I would go for the latter.

That's where you enter the name of the Template form you just created.

 

[spectrum]

Many thanks. I found I was going down the wrong road. First I created a blank database, then I put controls on the form and set there properties.

I was unaware that to set the defaults I only need to click the objects in the toolbox (no need to put control on the form)

Then after doing all my required default properties for objects I always use, I saved the form. Then I saved my database as Blank.accdb, and put it in the directory where templates can be found. So now I can load my blank database and use it and save it as.

Regards

 

[speakers_86]

I just use the autoformat. It looks better than anything I could come up with, especially if you set the option "Convert all picture data to bitmap". This gives the header of your forms a nice fill.

 

[spectrum]

Thanks. I just tried Auto Format. I had a form with 3 listboxes on, a couple of command buttons, and labels. I selected designs from the Auto Format menu, and many of the designs did not appear as suggested. A couple of choices made the listboxes invisible. I also tried the wizard, but again it was not as expected. Are you using 2010?

If one uses Auto Format, what do they do if they want to cancel the operation and return the form as it was? Thanks

 

[speakers_86]

Yes, I'm using 2010. Of note though is that MS is moving away from autoformatting. That is why in 2010 it's not in the ribbon by default. I still like it though. Does a lot of work I don't want to do, and I can make my forms all look the same easily. As for undoing it, I think if you just bring up the wizard and choose 'none' then it goes away.

 

[spectrum]

Thanls again. It's a shame I cannot seem to get Autoformat to work properley, as you say, looking at the Autoformat Templates they look good and would give consistancy. I cannot understand Microsoft, they seem to employ people who do not use or have experience with current software to make next generation products. Okay sometimes its good to have a fresh approach, but when good things get left behind, and people like us try to find where things are that used to be in front, time wasting and frustrating. Never mind, I will stay with me template. Thanks again