Format and Input Mask

[James & Darla Martin]

Hello all,

I use a customized Format and Input Mask for all date fields on all my
forms. Is there any DISADVANTAGE to adding these to the table design for
each date field?

Thanks in advance.

James

 

[Joan Wild]

I use a customized Format and Input Mask for all date fields on all my
forms. Is there any DISADVANTAGE to adding these to the table design
for each date field?

There are advantages to using a format for date fields, particularly if you
choose a format that makes it clear what the date is i.e. 5/Jan/2004 rather
than 5/1/04 (which could mean May 1 or Jan 5).

Input masks for a date field can be a frustration for users. I never set an
input mask for dates. You can easily enter a date in the current year with
3 or 4 keystrokes (27/4 will enter today's date on my machine, as Access
will assume the current year). An input mask will get in the way of doing
that.