Using a Combo Box Lookup, can you set it to only pull in a subset of data?

[dswift]

I have a table and for one of the columns I would like to use a Lookup to populate the fields. The fields should be pulled from another table. Lets say Table A Column 2 should have a drop down box populated with a Lookup from Table Z Column 3. Is it possible that the drop own in Table A only shows a subset of the values from Table Z column 3?

 

[Micron]

Sounds like you are editing tables directly. While you can, in table design view, choose either a combo or textbox as a lookup field, and base the lookup on a query you create to get the correct value(s), editing in tables isn't advised. You should use a form, or at least an updatable query, but the form is the right way to go.

 

[dswift]

I understand how to use a combo or textbox as a lookup field. However, is it possible to display only a subset of the items in the combo box? For example, in Table A I want to be able to select a job. Table Z lists all kinds of jobs. I would like to only a subset of these jobs as choices to select in Table A.

 

[xenou]

Normally, the items in a dropdown list can use a query as a rowsource. A query can always select a subset from a table. So the answer to your question is probably "Yes". But most experienced Access developers (myself included) would not put lookup fields in Tables, we would put them in Forms. So I'm hedging the answer (probably yes instead of definitely yes) because I've never actually done it before.

 

[dswift]

Ok, it looks like it is actually working, thank you! I know I should technically use a form but it is not going to work for my purposes. Thanks!