It might seem strange to want to enter data into a table without first defining the table’s structure, but there’s one scenario in which it makes perfect sense: when you’re in a hurry and you have to get the data into the database quickly. When you type data into a blank table, Access assigns generic names to the fields, such as Field1, Field2, and so on. After the data’s in the table, you can open the table in Design view and name the fields, define data types, and so on.

Create a New Table by Typing

1. Click the Create tab.

2. In the Tables group, click Table.

3. Type the data for the first new field and press Tab.

4. Repeat step 3 until you have typed all of the data for one record, and then press Enter twice to return to the first field.

5. Click Save.

6. Type a name for your table.

7. Click OK.

8. Click the Close box for the table.

   
   

Tip

When you create a field by typing, Access defines the table’s first field as a sequentially numbered field named ID, which serves as the table’s primary key field. It’s a good idea to leave the field in the table, but you should rename it to something more descriptive so you can identify it if you use it as a foreign key. If the table’s name is Warehouses, for example, you could name the field WarehouseID.