How to convert a Word table into an Access database

Article contributed by Beth Melton

There are a couple of methods you can use for this. Using Excel, if you If you have it, is the easiest way, and you tend to get fewer import errors in Access if you use Excel. However, if you don't have Excel, you can convert your Word table into tab-delimited format, which you can import directly into Access. This is still pretty easy, although it does involve a few additional steps.

Whichever method you use, make sure the first row of your table contains field names that uniquely describe the information in each column. If it doesn’t, then place your cursor in the first row, go to Table/Insert Rows and add your field names.

Using Excel to transfer data between Word and Access:

Tip for power users: if you know how to drag and drop via the Windows Taskbar, the procedure is even easier.

Using Word Only

Note that once you have your table in Access, you need to go to the Table design and review the data types and field sizes assigned and make the necessary changes.