> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://nolongerset.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # IslaDogs: Getting Creative with the Access Application Interface - URL: https://nolongerset.com/isladogs-access-ui-tricks/ - Published: 2022-01-05T03:54:06.000Z - Updated: 2026-05-08T13:00:25.000Z - Description: This one-hour video from Colin Riddington (aka IslaDogs) is jam-packed with API-based Access user interface hacks. - Author: Mike Wolfe - Tags: Form Design, #Import 2026-05-20 02:59 Colin Riddington (aka, IslaDogs) presented a variety of ways to control the Microsoft Access application interface as part of the monthly [Eastern Time Access User Group](https://accessusergroups.org/et/). The full video of the presentation is available [via YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxGhycnvUZY): ## Topics Covered The presentation was split between two different sample databases. ### Controlling the Application Interface The first half of the presentation included samples from Colin's "Controlling the Application Interface" demo database: ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/eb/d7/ebd732c1-5f03-4f07-b386-5d08557e15c9/content/images/2022/01/image-11.png) - **Drag Form:** Drag the form to a new position whilst holding down the left mouse button over this button or on any blank space in the form header/detail areas - **Maximize Form:** Maximize / restore the form - **Hide Form:** Minimise form to taskbar. Click on taskbar icon to restore - **Hide Taskbar Icon:** Show / hide the Access taskbar icon. - **Hide Taskbar:** Show / hide the taskbar - **Fill Entire Screen:** Hide navigation pane, ribbon, taskbar & application window - **Show Application Window:** Show/hide the Access application window - **Show Navigation Pane:** Show/hide navigation pane - **Show Ribbon:** Show/hide ribbon & quick access toolbar (QAT) - **Show VBE:** Open / close the Visual Basic Editor The following examples involve opening a variety of Access objects **while keeping the Access application interface itself hidden**. This is a commonly requested feature among developers who want their Access applications to look more like standard desktop applications. - **Open New Form:** Open a standard form - **Open Split Form:** Open a split form *(Split forms need different code due to their 'special' nature)* - **Open Navigation Form:** Open a navigation form - **Open Query:** Run a select query & display the results - **Open 'Form Query':** Show the query results in a form - **Open Report (Print Preview):** Open report in print preview - **Open Report View:** Open report in report view with print button - **Open Report as a Subform:** Open report in report view as a 'subform' - **Show Message Box:** Hide form & display message box The sample database for this section is available here: [Control Application InterfaceThis article discusses how the Access application interface can be controlled including hiding the navigation pane, ribbon or the entire application interface.![](https://isladogs.co.uk/images/favicon.png)Isladogs on AccessColin Riddington![](https://isladogs.co.uk/img/logoTest.png)](https://isladogs.co.uk/control-application-interface/4594365418.html) ### Getting the User's Attention The second part of the presentation focused on a variety of ways that Colin uses to get his users' attention. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/eb/d7/ebd732c1-5f03-4f07-b386-5d08557e15c9/content/images/2022/01/image-10.png) These techniques can be used to alert users of a new update that's available or to ask them to save their work before being thrown out for database maintenance. - **Standard Message Box:** Standard Access message box - no frills - **Formatted Message Box:** Adds bold text to first part of message - **Task Dialog Messages:** Highly customisable with many additional features (all code from [AccessUI.com](https://accessui.com/Products/VBATaskDialog)) - **Customised Message Forms:** Build your own message form to suit your own requirements - **Customised Message Form + Timer:** Show a program alert with a countdown timer - **Animation, Transparency, & Fade:** Shows a variety of effects - **Flashing Message:** Message flashes on / off repeatedly for a set time - **Dim Background:** Dims the whole screen except for the message box - **Blur Background:** Blurs the form background behind the message box - **Remove Background:** Hides all objects on the screen except for the message box - **Balloon Tooltip Alert:** Create a balloon tooltip alert in the system tray (notifications area) - **Scrolling Marquee Text:** Displays a message as scrolling text - **Scrolling Title Bar Caption:** Scrolls the form title bar caption - **Flashing Title Bar Caption:** Flashes the form title bar caption on / off repeatedly for a set time (10 seconds) The sample database for this section is available here: [Attention Seeking DatabaseThis shows many different ways of getting users’ attention including customised message boxes, flashing/scrolling/balloon tooltip text, form animation, transparency and fade, dim/blur/remove background![](https://isladogs.co.uk/favicon.png)Isladogs on AccessColin Riddington![](https://isladogs.co.uk/img/logoTest.png)](https://isladogs.co.uk/attention-seek/) ## My Thoughts I can't remember ever seeing a collection of so many Access user interface hacks in one place before. If you are looking to push the limits of what an Access application can look like, this is a one-stop shop for both inspiration and implementation details. Color me impressed, Colin! --- ### External References [Isladogs on AccessA wide range of free example apps, code samples and extended articles together with news and events for Microsoft Access developers.![](https://isladogs.co.uk/img/favicon.png)Isladogs on AccessColin Riddington![](https://isladogs.co.uk/img/logoTest.png)](https://isladogs.co.uk/) [AccessUI - VBA TaskDialogVBA Class Implementation of TaskDialog for Microsoft Access.![](https://accessui.com/favicon.png)AccessUI![](https://accessui.com/images/TaskDialog/tdCustomButtons.png)](https://accessui.com/Products/VBATaskDialog)