Default text

[SueBK]

Can I program a form's for:

if [field x] is null, insert "this text"

I can't use the default text of the table structure. In my table, I have (eg) [project], [element], [discussion]. Each project can have multiple elements, each with a unique discussion. Often the discussion (or at least the foundation of the discussion) is the same for the same element for different projects.

If the field has been typed in, I don't want it overwritten with the default text.

If i can code this, where would I put it? My form is filtered to show only the project chosen on the previous form. I have a "next record" button to move through each of the elements. Would I add it to the 'after update' of the form? Would this still update the first element when the form is opened?

 

[G37Sam]

Why don't you use the "Default Value" property in design view?

 

[SueBK]

My table looks like:

Project Element Descr
prj 1 Ele A Des of ele A for Prj 1
prj 1 ele B Des of ele B for prj 1
Prj 2 Ele A Des of ele A for Prj 2

In some cases Description of Element A for Project 1 and 2 will be the same; in others it will be different. My "default" text is really a prompt; a "start with and add and delete as necessary".

I got good advice to create a look up table, with each element and its default description. Then create an update query that inserts the description for the element IF its null in the project table. Works a dream; and much easier to edit my default text than if it was hidden away in code somewhere.