What is the purpose of input masks in Access?

Input masks in Access serve the crucial purpose of enforcing a specific format for data entry. When a user is required to enter data that adheres to a particular structure, input masks help ensure that the input follows that structure consistently. For example, when entering phone numbers, social security numbers, or dates, an input mask can be used to dictate how the information must be formatted, guiding users in their data entry.

This ensures data integrity and helps prevent errors that could arise from inconsistent formatting, which can lead to difficulties in searching, sorting, and analyzing the data later on. Input masks allow for a more controlled data entry experience, which is especially important in applications where data accuracy is paramount.

In contrast, the other options involve different functionalities in Access. Creating relationships between tables is related to database design and normalization. Graphical representations of data refer to charts and reports used to visualize data rather than enforce specific formats. Merging datasets from various sources pertains to data integration, which is a separate process altogether.