Access 2007 for Starters: The Missing Manual

Chapter 10. Importing and Exporting Data

• Case for Importing and Exporting

• Using the Clipboard

• Import and Export Operations

An access database is like a carefully built fort. It takes strictly organized and error-tested information, and locks it up tight. Very few programs guard their data as protectively as database software does. Word processors and spreadsheet programs accept just about any content and let you build your document structure on the fly. Databases aren't nearly as freewheeling.

Most of the time, databases live in an independent world. But every once in a while, you need to bridge the gap in one of two ways:

• You want to take the information from another program and import it—basically, stuff it into your database.

• You want to take some of the information in an Access database and export it, so you can work with it in another program.

Access has several different options for transferring information. You can use the lowly clipboard, or sophisticated import and export features. In this chapter, you'll learn about all your options.

Note

The ever-popular XML standard is yet another option for importing and exporting, which is great for Access power users. You can learn more about Access and XML in Access 2007: The Missing Manual.

Case for Importing and Exporting

If you haven't thought much about importing and exporting, it's probably because you don't need to use these features—yet. Many databases are completely happy living a quiet, solitary life. However, importing ...