How to Add Option Group MS Access

Quick summary

An Option Group in MS Access lets you add a set of predefined radio-button or checkbox choices directly to a form, enforcing consistent data entry by storing a numeric value for each selection. This step-by-step walkthrough covers everything from opening your database to placing, configuring, and styling the control using the Form Design wizard.

Steps

1. Open your database in MS Access.
2. Go to the Create tab in the ribbon.
3. Navigate to the Form Design tab in the ribbon.
4. In the Controls group, locate the Option Group tool.
5. Click the Option Group tool, then click on the form where you want the control to appear.
6. Enter the labels for each option, pressing Enter after each label to add it to the list, then click Next.
7. Select the default option that will be pre-selected when the form opens.
8. Choose a style for the Option Group (e.g., raised, sunken, etched).
9. Decide whether to store a numeric value for the selected option, then click Next.
10. Add a caption for your Option Group to label it on the form.
11. Resize or reposition the Option Group on the form as needed.
12. Review the finished Option Group — it now simplifies selection of predefined choices and ensures consistency in data entry.