Write the procedure to apply input mask to a field.
An input mask controls the value of a record and sets it in a specific format. It is similar to Format property but it displays the format on datasheet before data is entered. A phone number field can be formatted with input-mask to accept ten digits as “(555) 123-4567”. The blank field will look like (___) ___ -___.
The following symbols can be used to create an input-mask:
| Symbol | Explanation |
| A | Letter or digit |
| 0 | A digit 0 to 9 without a + or – sign and with blanks displayed as zeros |
| 9 | Same as 0 with blanks displayed as spaces |
| # | Same as 9 with +/- signs |
| ? | Letter |
| L | Letter a through Z |
| C or & | Character or space |
| < | Convert letters to lower case |
| > | Convert letters to upper case |
The following procedure is used to apply input mask to a field:
- Open the table in design view.
- Place the cursor in the field on which the input mask will be applied.
- Click in white space following Input-Mask under General tab.
- Click “…” button. Input-mask wizard will appear.
- Select the required input mask.
- Click Next button.
- Type the required input-mask to change the input mask.
- Select the required placeholder character.
- Click Next button.
- Click Finish button.