How to Display Text Box Hint Instructions Until the User Enters a Value in Microsoft Access

In this Microsoft Access tutorial, I will show you how to display hint instructions in text boxes until the user enters a value using the format property and conditional formatting. This expert-level video also demonstrates techniques to enhance user experience without any VBA programming.
David from Bellevue, Washington (a Gold Member) asks: I would like to show the field description in the textbox when there is no data in the textbox; like a shadow until data is inserted.
Silver Members & up get access to an Extended Cut of this video. In the extended cut, we will learn how to create and use floating labels that provide instructions or hints above text fields as the user tabs through them. This feature will require some VBA code, and I'll show you exactly how to implement it.
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Conditional Formatting Null: 599cd.com/CondFormatNull
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TechHelp, Access 2016, Access 2019, Access 2021, Access 365, Microsoft Access, MS Access, MS Access Tutorial, #msaccess, #microsoftaccess, #help, #howto, #tutorial, #learn, #lesson, #training, #database,, text box hints, conditional formatting, Microsoft Access forms, text box placeholders, field descriptions, user instructions, null values, text box default text, non-VBA solutions, control tip text, conditional field colors, interactive database design, advanced Access tips, Access customization tips, dynamic text box labels
QUESTIONS:
Please feel free to post your questions or comments below. Thanks.
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[@NoLongerSet]

Now that's a cool one! Well done, Alex and Richard.

[@ILoveAvatarShow]

I am thankful you released this video 2 days ago! haha it is a helpful tutorial

[@robertconrad7269]

Excellent! I tried something similar in VBA, but it was ugly and quirky, this is clean and simple. Thanks Alex and Richard 👍✌🏻

[@AlaeAbajlal]

Thank's to Alex and thank you Mr. Richard fort the trick

[@Shadow.Dragon]

Great video, Richard and Alex!!!

[@xavierbatlle1828]

It's brilliant! Very easy and useful! 👏

[@vic902]

Very Helpful. Your videos are great!!!

[@angelamarie1218]

Nice. Works in Datasheet View too. Thank you!!

[@janvanantwerp6574]

Ahhh, look at that...... Tks, will definitely impliment in the current DBS I am working on.

[@xjetech5558]

Very nice and useful

[@NimishP]

Microsoft in next release of Access should make this as built-in feature via additional property.

[@Affenhirte]

I also know them as Ghosttext or Placeholder.