Using the Zoom Box in Microsoft Access

If you’re anything like me, when you’re working in Microsoft Access, there are times when you may find yourself squinting at text fields, struggling to read or edit complex data or expressions. Whether you’re entering data into a table, writing a query, or adjusting the properties for a report, those tiny little fields can make it difficult to focus.

This is where a simple but overlooked tool in Access that can make your work much easier. It’s the Zoom dialog box.

The Zoom box in Access is a useful feature that gives you extra room to view and edit content. It can be accessed in many areas of Access, making it a versatile tool to streamline your workflow. For example, you can use it in a table when you’re editing a field.

It’s also handy when you’re working in the criteria or field rows of a query, where space is limited. In fact, this is probably where I use it most. The same goes for editing properties in tables, queries, forms, and reports.

In the example below, the criteria field is too small for me to read easily.

How to Use the Zoom Box in Microsoft Access

Using the Zoom dialog box dead simple. All you need to do is click on the field or area where you want to zoom in, and press Shift + F2. The Zoom dialog box appears, giving you a much larger space to work. This is especially useful when working with longer pieces of text, formulas, or expressions that don’t quite fit in the default view.

The Zoom dialog box is even customisable. If you find the default font size a bit too small for comfort, you can change it to suit your needs. Within the Zoom dialog box, just click the Font button, and choose the font size.

For example, if you’re working on a query that needs a complex calculation, the criteria row in Access is pretty small, making it harder to spot errors or make adjustments. By pressing Shift + F2, you can bring up the Zoom dialog box, where you’ll have the freedom to view and edit the formula in a larger, more comfortable space. Once you’re done, click OK to save your changes and carry on with the query.

In this example, I used Shift + F2 to open the Zoom box, making life just a little easier.

Another situation where the Zoom dialog box really helps is when you’re editing form or report properties. As you may know, some properties, like control source or record source, can involve complicated and lengthy expressions or SQL statements. Instead of squishing everything into a tiny little property box, use the Zoom dialog box to spread out and see the details properly.

Conclusion

This tool not only improves visibility but also helps minimise errors. By having a clear, expanded view of your data or expressions, you’re less likely to miss small mistakes that could impact your database’s functionality. As a bonus, you’ll probably have less eye strain at the end of the day!

If you’re ready to take your Access skills to the next level, the Zoom dialog box is just the beginning. At Keystroke Learning, we specialise in teaching tips and tricks like this to help you work smarter, not harder. Book a course or give us a call today to see how we can help you master Microsoft Access and other tools to boost your productivity.