Adding an input mask, as described in the provided reference, is a feature primarily found in Microsoft Access, not Excel. Input masks in Access help control the format and type of data that users enter into a field. While Excel doesn't have this exact "Input Mask" feature with a wizard, you can control data entry format and validation using different methods like Custom Number Formats and Data Validation.
Based on the provided reference, here's how you add an Input Mask in Microsoft Access:
Adding an input mask in Access is a simple process using the Input Mask Wizard, which guides you through setting up the required format for your data entry.
Steps to Use the Input Mask Wizard
To apply an input mask to a field in your Access database table, follow these steps:
- Select the Field: Open the table in Design View and click the field where you want to add the input mask.
- Access Field Properties: Under Field Properties, on the General tab, click the Input Mask property box. Clicking this box to start the Input Mask Wizard.
- Choose Your Mask: In the Input Mask list, select the type of mask that you want to add (e.g., Phone Number, Zip Code, Social Security Number, Date, Time, etc.).
- Customize (Optional): Follow the wizard's steps to customize the mask format, placeholder characters, and how the data is stored.
- Finish: Complete the wizard to apply the input mask to the selected field.
This process ensures that data entered into that specific field conforms to the defined structure, improving data accuracy and consistency.
Input Mask Examples
Input masks use special characters to define the format. Here are a few common types you can select in the wizard:
()- Area code placeholder for phone numbers-- Separator for numbers like social security or phone0- Requires a digit (0-9)9- Allows a digit or space (entry is optional)L- Requires a letter (A-Z)?- Allows a letter (entry is optional)>- Converts characters to uppercase
Data Formatting in Excel (Alternative to Input Masks)
Since the original question mentioned Excel, it's worth noting that while Excel doesn't have Input Masks, you can achieve similar control over data entry using:
- Custom Number Formats: Define specific display formats for numbers, dates, times, or text (e.g.,
000-00-0000for Social Security numbers,(000) 000-0000for phone numbers). This only changes how the data looks, not necessarily how it's entered. - Data Validation: Set rules for what kind of data can be entered into a cell (e.g., only dates, whole numbers within a range, text with a specific length). You can also use custom formulas for more complex validation.
In summary, the method described using the "Input Mask Wizard" is specific to Microsoft Access for controlling data input format in table fields. For Excel, you would typically use Custom Number Formats or Data Validation rules.
