There are times when it can be beneficial to add a file to your database such as documents, presentations and images. With Access, you can use attachments to store several files of various types in a single field. For example, if you manage a vendor database, you can attach the vendor’s logo as well as their pricing sheet.
Add an attachment field in Design View
To use attachments in Access, you must first add an attachment field to one of the tables in your database. One way to do this is in Design View.
- In the Navigation Pane, right-click the table that you want to change and click Design View.
- In the Field Name column, select a blank row and enter a name for your Attachment field.
- In the same row, under Data Type, click Attachment.
- Return to Datasheet view and save your changes.
Note: You cannot convert the new field to another data type, but you can delete the field.
Add files as attachments
Once you have created your attachment field, you can upload attachments to the database.
- Have the desired table that contains the attachment field open in Datasheet view
- Double-click the attachment field to make the Attachments dialog box will open
- Click Add and use the Choose File dialog box to select the correct files.
- Click OK to complete adding the files to your database.
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