How do you create a relationship between two tables in Access?

To create a relationship between two tables in Access, the most effective method is by using the Relationships view and dragging fields between the tables. This approach allows you to visually connect the tables based on common fields, which often serve as primary and foreign keys. When you drag a field from one table to another in this dedicated view, Access opens a dialog box where you can specify the relationship type and enforce referential integrity options, ensuring that the data remains consistent across both tables.

This method captures the relational aspect of a database by clearly defining how data in one table relates to data in another, making it intuitive for users to manage their relational data structure effectively. It also provides a graphical interface that can simplify understanding complex relationships among multiple tables.

Using alternative methods, such as editing table properties or formatting tables in Design View, does not directly facilitate relationships between tables; rather, it focuses on the structure and formatting of individual tables. Similarly, the Create Table wizard is designed to help users set up new tables rather than establish connections between existing ones.