Set a default value for a lookup list

1. Open the table that provides the source data for your lookup field in Datasheet view.

2. Note the key value that is associated with the item that you want to make the default value.

   Note: By default, Access hides primary and foreign key fields. If you don't see the key field, right-click any cell in the header row of the table, click Unhide Columns, and in the Unhide Columns dialog box, select your key field and click Close.

3. In the Navigation Pane, right-click the table that contains your lookup field, and then click Design View.

4. Select the lookup field, and on the General tab, in the Default Value property box, type the key value that you noted in steps 1 and 2. This is the value that corresponds to the list item that you want to make the default.

   For example, suppose you have 10 suppliers, and you want the name of your most-used supplier to appear by default. To do so, you locate the key value that uniquely identifies the supplier, and you enter that key value in the Default Value property box of the foreign key field.

5. Save your changes, switch to Datasheet view, and enter a new record. Your default value appears in your lookup field when you add the record.