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DesignerTM for Microsoft® AccessTM

    Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

How does Designer work?

Designer asks you a series of questions about the different sets of data you want to manage in your database, how they relate to each other, and what specific fields (columns) you want to track for each set of data.  Designer uses your answers to generate the tables, fields, formats, and foreign-key relationships your database needs to be correctly structured. 


Which versions of Access are supported?

Designer is fully tested and compatible with Access 2000, 2003, and 2007, 2010 (32- and 64-bit), 2013 (32- and 64-bit), 2016 (32- and 64-bit).  We don't support Access 97, unfortunately.


Does Designer provide a visualization tool?

Microsoft Access has an excellent tool to look at relationships between tables in a visual form. It doesn't allow you to actually design the tables themselves, which is why Designer is such a popular tool.


Can I make changes to my database after I create it with Designer?

Yes, you can definitely make changes. You do so directly in the Microsoft Access table design views as opposed to within Designer, however. But you can make whatever changes are appropriate.


Can Designer help me to import an Excel file and design my database from the Excel file?

Designer is able to import data from your Excel files, such as a list of product names, or other values you want to be a dropdown field.


What kind of support can I expect if I buy Designer?

We stand by our products through ongoing investment, and excellent customer support. We offer email and telephone technical support to help you work through any challenges you encounter working with Designer. We are based in North America, which means our responses to your inquiries may be slightly delayed if you are on another continent.  

 

Does OpenGate offer consulting?

We do offer consulting, with more than 19 years experience with Microsoft Access.  Learn more here about our Microsoft Access Consulting services.


Will Designer create forms for me?

Yes.  Designer automatically creates your data entry forms and tables. The built-in Access form wizards are able to help you design basic data entry forms. UI Builder for Microsoft Access can give you flexible, configurable menu buttons so that you don’t need to recreate the wheel to offer attractive navigation and functionality to your users. 

 

What languages are supported by Designer?

The application is in English, Spanish, French, and German.  Table names, fields, and form names display any language (including simplified Chinese).


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Licensing Questions

Do I need a license for each user?

No. Only users that will use Designer to create a database will need a license.  That means you may create as many databases as needed, as many copies you need to make, and as many users that you need to support. For example, if two people in your organization will be using Designer to create databases, then you will need two licenses.  But an unlimited number of people can use the databases that those two users create.


Can I use Designer on my work and home computers?

Yes, you can install Designer on more than one computer, provided you are the only Designer user, or you have the Unlimited User license.

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Demo Questions

Why can't I use the demo to create my tables and forms?

The evaluation copy is locked down to prevent piracy.  You have 30-days to evaluate the software with a full money back guarantee if the product does not meet your needs. 

 

If I work to design my database in the demo copy, can I transfer my work if I license the full version?

Yes, absolutely. Please refer to our support forum topic that will help you through the steps.

 

Why is the demo in MDE format?  You support Access 2007, right?

Designer definitely supports Access 2007 and Access 2010.  We deliver the evaluation database in MDE format so that it can be used by people with Access 2000 and higher.

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Installation Questions

Will I need to run a setup program?

No setup program is required for UI Builder. The UI Builder database file that you download after purchasing the software is all that is required. 

 

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Developer Questions

Can Designer create other database formats other than Access?

Designer is exclusively for Microsoft Access. However, once you create your database in Access with Designer, you can upsize the database to MySQL or SQL Server if you need better performance in a multi-user environment.

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