Force a new line in Access text box

[JCC]

I want the equivalent of Excel's Alt-Enter to put text information on a new
line in the text box on a report, but Access only lets me type in a single
paragraph. How can I force a new line in Access 2003? I have looked at the
properties list but can't see what I need to change.

 

[BruceM]

On the Other tab of the text box Property Sheet, set Enter Key Behavior to
"New line in field". I think Ctrl + Enter will accomplish the same thing if
the Enter Key Behovior property is "Default".

 

[JCC]

Thanks for speedy reply.
The only options I have on the Other tab are Name; Vertical and Tag and I
can't find Enter Key Behavior on any other tab.
However, Ctrl + Enter works so I can stop pulling my hair out!!

Thanks again!

 

[BruceM]

I'm not sure what Property Sheet you were looking at, but if you can't find
Enter Key Behavior on the Other tab it doesn't seem to have been for a text
box. At the very top of the Property Sheet you will see something like:
TextBox:TextBoxName
or
Label:LabelName

Be sure you are looking at the correct Property Sheet.

 

[JCC]

I get the Property Sheet by right clicking the text box and at the top is
TextBox: Text56 and there are still only the three options on the Other tab

 

[BruceM]

I don't know why you aren't getting other choices. Help does not offer any
insight that I can find. I hope somebody jumps in with an explanation.

 

[BruceM]

I am limited to just the options you mention when I view the Property Sheet
for a text box on a report. I have tried various options with disabling and
locking controls on a form, but I have not found anything so far that limits
the Other choices. If you create a new form and add a text box do you see
more choices on the Other tab?

 

[JCC]

I hope so too. I've just reinstalled Access just incase it's a bug in the
system, but no change. At least I have managed to get on with your
suggestion, but I would really like to know what's wrong.

 

[John Spencer]

You don't enter data in a report, so the option to is not available for
controls. As noted , you can use Control + Enter to force a line feed into
literal text.

NOTE: REPORT versus FORM. There is a difference between the two.

John Spencer
Access MVP 2002-2005, 2007-2008
The Hilltop Institute
University of Maryland Baltimore County

 

[BruceM]

I missed that the OP specified entering a new line in a report. Since the
discussion was about entering text I assumed the OP meant on a form, because
attempting to enter information in a report would quickly have proved
futile. Also, the OP stated that Ctrl + Enter solved the problem, so it
looked to me that there was data entry going on. I would have done well to
figure out earlier in the thread why a report was specifically mentioned.
Perhaps the text was being entered as a Control Source in design view so
that the text box was being treated as a label, or something like that. Or
maybe the text was being entered directly into a table, and the question was
about how to force a new line using that interface.

 

[JCC]

Sorry to cause confusion. I'm a total novice but managed to construct a
database for my business. I use the Report as a confirmation email to clients
containing date, time etc. + needed a text box for additional info. This is
then sent via Office Links to Word.
Probably bad practice, but it works + saves me loads of time.
Thanks.