How to: Create Table Aliases (Visual Database Tools)
Aliases can make it easier to work with table names. Using aliases is helpful when:
You want to make the statement in the SQL Pane shorter and easier to read.
You refer to the table name often in your query — such as in qualifying column names — and want to be sure you stay within a specific character-length limit for your query. (Some databases impose a maximum length for queries.)
You are working with multiple instances of the same table (such as in a self-join) and need a way to refer to one instance or the other.
For example, you can create an alias "e" for a table name employee_information, and then refer to the table as "e" throughout the rest of the query.
To create an alias for a table or table-valued object
Add the table or table-valued object to your query.
In the Diagram Pane, right-click the object for which you want to create an alias, then select Properties from the shortcut menu.
In the Properties window, enter the alias in the Alias field.