I'm looking for an easy "Save as" type function to use on a bound form. So instead of entering data in 14 fields for a new record, they can bring up an existing record, change a couple fields and save it as a new record, without changing the original record. I'm sure this has been a topic before, but I couldn't find it with a search.

I realize that it is probably a better, safer practice to enter a new record from scratch but they want a shortcut.

Hmmm. If you have 50 records in the table will the user have to search through all of them to find one close to their current record? Also, what type of data is going into these 14 fields that may already exist in other records? If you have data that is repeated then you may not have your structure normalized.

A bit more data on the type of data you want to save in the 14 fields may help someone here to help you...

Jack

It's a table for raw material inventory. They could have an item "Epoxy 1255Q", and then get a new item called "Epoxy 1255R" , from the same supplier, unit type is the same, description is close, price is close, properties could be the same, etc....

If it was up to me, I would just have them enter it fresh.

Having fields that are 'close' presents a problem in finding similar record. Supplier is a lookup (I assume) so that should be fast, unit type should also be a lookup so that should be quick... At this point I don't see that it would be faster, but probably slower, looking for a similar item to copy into a new record.

This is my 3 cents worth on trying to locate similar data to speed up data entry...

Jack

Can you not just use the "Duplicate" function on the Edit menu when you find the record you want to duplicate??
Then after you do that edit the fields that need to be changed.

I tried that, but I have a unique field so it rejects it when it duplicates the record.

I'm not concerned with them locating a record to use as a template for another record. I would rather they not even do it, but that's what they want.

If they get an Epoxy 235R then they'd get lazy and say "Hey, why can't I just bring up the 235Q?". They just change a couple fields and then there's a good chance they don't change everything they needed. I know because I've done it myself in other scenarios.

A number of ways to do this. A subform based on a query that gets its criteria from the 'defining' control (Description?). Then the user can select a close match, double click and code updates the main form. A popup form would work too.

Lots of ways to skin this Access cat so go for the one that works for you...

hth,
Jack