How to: Specify Default Data Types for Columns
You can change the default data type for new columns created in Table Designer.
Note
A new version of Table Designer appears for databases in the SQL Server 2012 format. This topic describes the old version of Table Designer, which you use with databases in earlier formats of SQL Server.
In the new version, you can change a table definition through a graphical interface or directly in a script pane. If you use the graphical interface, the table’s definition is automatically updated in the script pane. To apply the SQL code in the script pane, choose the Update button. For more information about the new version, see How to: Create Database Objects Using Table Designer.
Note
Your computer might show different names or locations for some of the Visual Studio user interface elements in the following instructions. The Visual Studio edition that you have and the settings that you use determine these elements. For more information, see Customizing Development Settings in Visual Studio.
To specify the default data type
From the Tools menu, click Options.
In the Options dialog box, expand Database Tools, expand Table Designer, then click Column Options.
In the Column Options dialog box, select a default column type from the Default Column Type drop-down list and click OK.
New columns that you create in Table Designer will now use the data type you have specified by default.