How can you set a default value for a field in Access?

To set a default value for a field in Access, the best approach is through the field properties in Design View. When you are in Design View, you can access the properties of each field, including the Default Value property. This property allows you to specify a default entry that will automatically populate the field for new records, streamlining data entry and reducing potential errors.

Using Design View is essential because it gives you direct access to the underlying structure of the table, enabling precise configuration of properties such as data types, formats, and validation rules, which are crucial for ensuring data integrity.

Other methods mentioned may not allow for setting default values directly. For example, adjusting form properties in Layout View or modifying table properties in Datasheet View do not provide the field-specific settings necessary to establish default values effectively. Similarly, database settings in the Options menu typically pertain to broader application settings rather than specific field configurations. Thus, utilizing Design View to set field properties is the most effective and appropriate method for establishing default values in Access.