Using AutoFormat

The AutoFormat dialog box

You've just finished creating a report using the when you suddenly realize that you hate how it looks! Don't worry you can apply a new design to your forms and templates at any time with the command. is a built-in collection of formats such as font sizes, patterns, and alignments you can quickly apply to a form or report. is a great feature if you want your forms and reports to look sharp and professional but don't have the time to format them yourself.

1. Make sure the rptTourSales report is open in Design view.

   Here's how to format a report using :

2. Click the button on the Report Design toolbar.

   The AutoFormat dialog box appears, as shown in figure. The present formats are listed in the AutoFormat list. Yep, they're the same choices as you get in the Report or . You can see what a format looks like by selecting it and looking at the sample area in the dialog box.

3. Click the Options button.

   The AutoFormat dialog box expands to show three check boxes. You can control the type of formatting that is applied by checking or unchecking any of the boxes. If you want AutoFormat to skip one of the formatting categories, simply uncheck the appropriate box.

4. Select the Compact option from the Report AutoFormats list and click OK.

   The dialog box closes, and the report is formatted with the Compact formatting option.

5. Click the Save button to save your changes and then click the Close button to close the rptTourSales report.

TO FORMAT A FORM OR REPORT WITH AUTOFORMAT:

1. DISPLAY THE FORM OR REPORT YOU WANT TO FORMAT IN DESIGN VIEW.

2. CLICK THE AUTOFORMAT BUTTON ON THE REPORT DESIGN TOOLBAR.

3. SELECT ONE OF THE AUTOFORMATS FROM THE LIST AND CLICK OK.