Bound and Unbound

Typically, a form is bound to a database table. The form is used to enter information into the table and to display information from that table. An unbound form is not related to a table. An example of an unbound form is a menu from which you can choose to run other forms or reports.

Controls on a form that is bound to a table are usually bound to fields in the same table. There does not have to be a control for every field, nor do all controls need to be bound to fields. Controls that are not bound to fields are unbound controls. For example, a command button that prints the information on the form and a control that contains a descriptive text are unbound controls. Unbound controls include controls that display information that is calculated as the form is displayed. This information is based on the underlying table, or on values that are entered by the user. A blank form is unbound when it is created.