Topic 5: What is a report?

Go to Topic 6 * Access Database Skills Table of Contents * Technology Skills

Reports can list or summarize data and are designed specifically for printing. Unlike a form, a report cannot be used for data entry or editing. However, reports can include a variety of features - such as totals and subtotals, averages, percentages, etc. - that can't be created as easily with a form.

Reports can include:

• lists
• summary statistics (average, count, total, etc.)
• graphs
• mailing labels
• other formats.

Reports can be designed using a Report Wizard or directly in Design View. Report design uses some of the same tools as Form design, including:

• the Properties box
• the Toolbox
• the Field List
• the Formatting toolbar

Reports also use the "Sorting and Grouping" dialog box to determine how data will be sorted and to create group headers and group footers - such as the group headers shown in the sample on the right.

Exercise (for later): Use the Report Wizard or Design View to create a list, labels, or other report. Use one of the queries in the sample database as the record source for your report.