Table Wizard

Article
11/14/2006

The Table wizard creates tables based on typical table structures. It provides table templates, optional style settings, support for both Character and Memo binary data types, and access to databases and lets you select a table that fits your needs from the list of sample tables. You can customize the table's structure and fields as you step through the wizard, add your table to a database, and use database settings to determine the formats of fields you add to your table. You also can establish relationships between tables in the database.

If you have one or more databases open, the Table wizard automatically adds the new table to the current database. If you add your table to a database, the Table wizard provides automatic formatting of selected fields. If no databases are open, the wizard creates a free table.

To access the Table Wizard

From the Tools menu, choose Wizards, and click Table.

-or-

From the File menu, choose New, choose the Table option, and click the Wizard button.

To create a table with the Table wizard

In the Project Manager, select the Data tab and select Free Tables.
Choose New.
Choose the Table Wizard button.
Follow the instructions on the wizard screens.

If you base your table on a database, you can use styles, field mappings, or a primary key, and establish or use relationships in the database tables.

Step 1 – Select Fields

In this step, you can choose one of the sample tables and select from the available fields to create your table.

To select fields for your table

Use the Sample Tables list box to locate and select the table you want to use.
In the Available fields list box, select one or more fields you want to use from the selected table, and use the arrow buttons to move them to the Selected fields box.

You can categorize your selection as Business or Personal, and you can select fields from more than one table. If you want to add one of your own tables to the Sample tables box, choose Add.

Step 1a - Select a Database

In this step you can choose to add your table to a database. Adding the table to a database gives you enhanced functionality, but your table can be completely functional without being part of a database. If you create your table in a database, the Table wizard will provide automatic and custom formatting options in the next step.

You can also specify a friendly or descriptive name for the new table.

Note If you create a stand-alone table, you won't be able to change field captions.

Step 2 - Modify Field Settings

In this step you can change any default field settings. For example, you can change the maximum width of a character field, or the number of decimal places allowed in a numeric field.

You can specify whether fields can contain null values and you can change the field caption or type.

If you are creating your table in a database, you can also select one of the predefined data input masks for each field type or create a custom input mask. The Format windows display the mask and format code you choose.

Step 3 - Index the Table

In this step you can specify a field that will be the primary index key for your table. You can also designate other fields as secondary index keys.

Step 4 - Set Up Relationships

In this step, if you are creating your table within a database, you can establish relationships between fields in your new table and existing tables in the database.

Highlight the field for which you want to establish a relationship, and then click the Relationships button.

To define a relationship

Click the radio button that identifies the type of relationship you want to establish.
Select the field that relates the tables within the database. If you select <newfield>, type in the field name.
Click OK.

The Relationships dialog box will close and return you to Step 3, where the list displays the new relationship.

Step 5 - Finish

In this step you can specify how your table is saved and used.

Save table for later use
Saves the table to disk for later use when you click Finish.
Save table and browse it
Saves the table to disk and opens it so you can immediately add records by choosing Append New Record from the Table menu after you click Finish.
Save table and modify it in the Table Designer
Saves the table to disk and then opens it in the Table Designer so you can immediately modify it after you click Finish.

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