Using Tabs in a Memo Field 2

[dorianr]

I have a memo field in a form that is used to populate a report. The user wants to be use tabs so that text is properly aligned (this is for an acronym list). It should look like:

Code Definition
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PC Personal Computer
PDA Personal Digital Assistant

The required font is Times-New Roman. Using spaces does not seem to work very well. Is there a way to use tabs? I tried to create the list in Word and then cut-and-paste into the Access memo field. Each tab was represented by a small square. This would be fine if the Report would display the memo field properly. Instead, the report shows the small squares instead of performing the tab. Does anyone have ideas?

 

[RoyVidar]

For this question I'd rather recommend using a normalized table structure in stead - this is a typical table (id field, description fireld) then link it to this table through a 1:M relationship.

And you're probably right, tabs don't work in text controls.

Roy-Vidar

 

[ZmrAbdulla]

http://www.rogersaccesslibrary.com/OtherLibraries.asp

Look for "Forms_TabWithinMemoField.mdb"

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Zameer Abdulla
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A sweater is usually put on a child when the parent feels chilly.

 

[lupins46]

You cannot do this in a textbox.
You might be able to get something close if you can find a rich text control that will work with your version of Access (and you can legally distribute).
There is one here:

http://www.fmsinc.com/products/memo/memo2000/whydevelopers.html

 

[dorianr]

Unfortunately, the memo field is to hold more than just the definition list, so a normalized table is not the answer in this case.

The tip from Zameer is just what I was needed!
Thanks a lot, I can't wait to implement it tomorrow. This way is a lot more affordable than using the 3rd party tools (even though they look pretty slick and can do a lot more).

 

[lupins46]

'The tip from Zameer is just what I was needed! '

I'm not criticizing this response but based on your example I don't think it is.

 

[ZmrAbdulla]

When I posted I didn't even see RoyVidar's post. I forgot to refresh the page. I think his idea is the best for your purpose although AD Tejpal's sample will do. You will be able to have an accurate search on acronyms that is not possible by using a memo field.

________________________________________________________________________
Zameer Abdulla
Visit Me
A sweater is usually put on a child when the parent feels chilly.

 

[lupins46]

The problem with Tejpal's solution is that it inserts a fixed number of spaces when you press the Tab.
So it will only work if the entries in each column are the same size.

 

[dorianr]

This memo field is for a footer in a report. The user wants to be able to enter what ever they want. Parts of it may be citations to literature, general comments, notes about data, and the acronym list. There are over 50 reports, and each one will have a different set of footnotes. I was specifically asked to keep it free form.

If the client has the budget, I should separate out the acronym list (this information is already in the database). The only issue is the budget, since it will take time to build a dynamic acronym list for each report. The tabbed memo field doesn't work that well, but it is better than just a plain memo field. I can get it to the client later today. Hopefully, I will get a chance to implement the more robust footnote technique.