Shortcuts, in general, are meant to save time and effort.
And that’s the case with these Microsoft Access Keyboard shortcuts as well. When you learn them, you’ll be able to cut down on the time and effort you’re putting in while using Microsoft Access.
These shortcuts are super easy to learn, and you’d seamlessly go through your daily work like never before when you use them.
If that sounds like something you’d want to utilize, then let’s check some of the most useful Microsoft Access Keyboard shortcuts out there.
Introduction to Microsoft Access
Microsoft Access is a database system used to manage and analyze your data and make reports.
This solution comes along as a part of the MS Office 365 suite of applications, so if you’re already using MS Office 365, then you also have Microsoft Access.
The best part is that you do not need to be a professional to use this software, as it works on GUI (Graphical User Interface), making it easy even for the most technologically-challenged person out there.
Microsoft Access also supports a variety of keyboard shortcuts which you can use while operating it to complete your task much faster.
Importance of Microsoft Access Keyboard Shortcuts
Microsoft Access has been helping businesses manage their data efficiently without requiring crazy tech skills. This program allows you to track, manage and navigate orders, employees, or assets within minutes.
However, managing multiple data points in a large number can be a tedious task. Microsoft Access keyboard shortcuts will help you reduce your manual search and operational time.
All you have to do is know some basic shortcuts which you can use to increase your efficiency and speed.
This will also help you manage your database and other information easily while reducing the time and effort required for the task ahead of you. Whether it’s shuffling between columns or formatting cells, there’s a shortcut for everything.
How Microsoft Access Keyboard Shortcuts Can Help
When you use Microsoft Access keyboard shortcuts, it opens an intuitive path for navigating quickly using the keyboard instead of a mouse.
An Access key is a combination of Alt, Ctrl, or Shift with any other function on the keyboard. Sometimes, keys like F5, F6, etc., work as independent Access keys.
These Access key shortcuts are a boon for people who deal with multiple databases, reports, and forms, as they can function without the mouse. It works beautifully for people with disabilities who find it difficult to use a mouse.
You can activate the Access keys by pressing Shift Esc simultaneously whenever you want to use it.
To help you streamline your work process and daily tasks, I have compiled my favorite Microsoft Access keyboard shortcuts that are super useful easy to remember.
It includes basic and programmed shortcuts and their information to help you easily register their function.
Before we start, here are a couple of points to keep in mind while using the Access keys –
- A plus sign ( ) in the shortcut indicates that you must press multiple keys simultaneously.
- A comma sign (,) in the shortcut means you must press multiple keys in the order given in the shortcut.
Now, let’s jump to the shortcuts list.
Alt or F10
You can activate the ribbon tab and KeyTips using this shortcut. To navigate through the tab, simply use the arrow keys and press enter to open the tab.
Alt H
The simplest of all, this key opens the home tab.
F6
This is your go-to key if you want to move the focus to a different window pane without using a mouse.
CTRL O or CTRL F12
Allows you to open an existing database.
Shift F10
Enables the shortcut menu of the selected item.
Tab Key or Shift Tab Key
This key helps you move to the next or the previous field in the datasheet view.
F2
The function lets you jump between edit and navigation modes in a design or a datasheet view.
F5
Switch between the Form view and the Design view.
P or CTRL P
This shortcut opens the print dialogue box to print your document, datasheet, forms, and reports.
CTRL F6 or CTRL Shift F6
Allows you to toggle between existing open tabs.
CTRL W or CTRL F4
Allows you to close the tabs that are currently open.
Displays the shortcut menu (drop-down menu) of the selected item.
ALT F F
Display the find database box.
ALT F P
It lets you access recent projects.
ALT E F A or ALT F12
This shortcut opens a new access sheet.
ALT V L
Opens the access layout submenu.
ALT T M
If you want to migrate data elsewhere, you can use this shortcut.
ALT S
Gives you access to the references tab in the ribbon.
CTRL C
My absolute favorite among all, this key allows you to copy the text on the clipboard. This is my most-used keyboard shortcut.
CTRL Shift Space
This selects the entire column in Excel, including the active cell.
PrtSc
Pressing the print screen button will take a screenshot of the current window and copy it to the clipboard.
CTRL Down Arrow Key
This displays the full set of commands on the task pane menu.
There are a few access keys that you can use to navigate the ribbon only using the keyboard. You can do this with the help of KeyTips. They are special combinations that, when used together, form a command in access.
You can directly open the tabs in the ribbon using the following shortcuts:
ALT F4
This shortcut allows you to exit Access.
ALT Y, 2
You can use this shortcut to open the database tools tab.
ALT X or ALT X, 1
If you want to open the external data tab, use this keyboard shortcut.
ALT F
This opens the file page.
ALT Q
Using this shortcut, you can open the search/tell me to box in the ribbon.
Final Words
Use the above keyboard shortcuts for Microsoft Access to save time, effort, and energy while using the solutions. Personally, my productivity has massively increased after I started utilizing shortcut keys.
Next, check out these amazing Excel formulas and keyboard shortcuts.
