Problem using Expression Builder

[3outta5]

My knowledge of Access is limited, it is a new venture for me. I have tried several times to use &quot;Expression Builder&quot; with absolutely no success. I create a text box on my form then use Expression Builder to try to do something (ANYTHING); it never works. I must be doing something fundamentally wrong, but I don't know what!<br><br>Example: I will be in design view, have my text box in focus, right click my mouse, select expression builder then enter: = Date()&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nothing happens!<br><br>I would be very grateful for any suggestions. Thanks!!

 

[rbowes]

If you want the Expression builder to work you have to first find the place to locate the expression.&nbsp;&nbsp;For instance, if you wanted to use the &quot;=Date()&quot; to give the textbox say a default value then you open the textbox's properties.&nbsp;&nbsp;Highlight the textbox and right click, select the bottom option &quot;Properties&quot; Click the &quot;Data&quot; tab and in the &quot;default value&quot; row click the elipse to open the builder dialog box.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Select the Expression builder: You would then choose &quot;=Date()&quot; and the click OK.&nbsp;&nbsp;From then on that control will default to the day's date.&nbsp;&nbsp;You can also use the Expression builder to easily concatenate two fields into an expression like : [FirstName]&&quot; &quot;&[LastName] for a control that would be &quot;Customer Name&quot;.&nbsp;&nbsp;After you become used to the syntax and way you create an expression, you will rely less on the expression builder.<br><br>Good Luck!<br><br>Bob B.