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This free tool makes it quick and easy to get a Data Dictionary for any table in whatever database you have open. Optionally, export the data dictionary information to a text file so you can look at it somewhere else, like NotePad or Excel. A bonus is being able to filter the tables listed lots of different ways.
Since this is just an ACCDB that has been renamed, it is Free and not protected so you can learn.
Pick any table in your current database to see its structure.
Click the Datasheet View button to see records, or the Design View button to look at or modify the design.
When you drop-down the combo box to pick a table to look at, you see a list of all the tables in the current database that aren't system tables.
You can filter the table name list to just what you want to see.
The top row of checkboxes are triple-state, meaning criteria is ignored if the value is null. By default, system tables do not show, but you could change that to show them.
The 3 checkboxes in the second row behave a little differently. They are what filters the big MSysObjects list to just objects that are tables. By default, all tables in the current database will show whether they are resident, or linked to an ODBC or other data source.
To filter names you can also supply what to look for, in any order, including patterns with wildcards.
type+ad will show all names with both "type" and "ad" in the name. Notice that "c_AdrType" is listed even though "type" was specified before "ad".
type,ad is supposed to show all names with either "type" or "ad" in the name ... but it doesn't work quite right ... I thought it did, but maybe I knocked it out doing something else in the version I have installed right now, which is in process of being expanded.
Use Wildcards such as o*a to show all names that have an "o" and then an "a", anywhere.
Once a table is chosen from the combo box, you can see:
This Data Dictionary shows the main information you focus on when you design tables. When you look at the design view of a table in Access, you have to click on each field, one at a time, to see properties like size, format, and default value. Now you can see this, and more, in one handy list.
If Write to File is checked when the table contents are listed, an external file will be created with the Data Dictionary. This could have a better way to trigger it. The thought when I did it this way was to output everything I look at.
Data Dictionary is now on the Add-ins menu.
This add-in is a regular ACCDB file that has been renamed to have an ACCDA extension. It may be used freely, but you may not sell it in whole or in part. You may include it in applications you develop for others provided you pass on the download link and share the source code and designs with your modifications.
Quickly seeing the structure of tables is essential for every developer. Documenting structure helps those who come after you, and helps you too!
It is interesting to hear from you. Was something not clear? Did you find a bug? Is an explanation wrong or not sufficient? Do you want this do more? (there is always more)
Some of you write to say thanks and share what you're doing with Access ... nice to hear from you! It is my hope that you build great applications with Access, design your database structure well, link to and share with data in other formats, and use other Office applications such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, ... take advantage of built-in abilities, use strengths of each product, and manage your information wisely.
Are you a developer? Do you want to share? Email to ask about getting your pages added to the code or tools index.
When we communicate, collaborate, and appreciate, we all get better. Thank you.
Let's connect and team-develop while we build your application together. As needed, I'll pull in code and features from my vast libraries, cutting out lots of development time.
Email me at info@msAccessGurus
~ crystal