Auto number field display question

[Irwinsp]

Hi All,
I have a form with an auto number field displayed. The field looks great
except when the user is entering a new record. The field then has the text
"auto number" in it. Is there a better way to display this field. I thought
the number assigned to this record should be displayed while the user is
entering the rest of the form data.
Thanks,
Paula

[Allen Browne]

The AutoNumber field displays the word until the user begins entering data.

It would be possible to use Conditional Formatting suppress the display, but
is it worth it? To a user who understands Access, "auto number" is
meaningful.

Some developers argue you should never show the autonumber to the user. I'm
not one of them: I think that display the number (especially in foreign
keys) provides an interface for drill-down to the primary record.

--
Allen Browne - Microsoft MVP. Perth, Western Australia.
Tips for Access users - http://allenbrowne.com/tips.html

"Irwinsp" <ir*****@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20***************************@mb-m17.aol.com...

Hi All,
I have a form with an auto number field displayed. The field looks great
except when the user is entering a new record. The field then has the text "auto number" in it. Is there a better way to display this field. I thought the number assigned to this record should be displayed while the user is
entering the rest of the form data.
Thanks,
Paula

[Irwinsp]

Thanks for your input. I appreciate you taking time to respond.