How to: Specify Default Values for Columns (Visual Database Tools)

For each column in your table, you can specify a default value that will be entered in the column if the user leaves it blank. If you do not assign a default value and the user leaves the column blank, then:

• If you set the option to allow null values, NULL will be inserted into the column.
• If you do not set the option to allow null values, the column will remain blank, but the user will not be able to save the row until they supply a value for the column.

For text strings, enclose the value in single quotation marks ('); do not use double quotation marks (") because they are reserved for quoted identifiers. For example, type: 98036 or 'Paris, France'.

If your entry in the Default Value field replaces a bound default (which is shown without parentheses), you will be prompted to unbind the default and replace it with your new default.

To enter a numeric default, you enter the number.

To enter a object/function you enter the name of the object/function with no single quotes around it.

To enter an alphanumeric default you enter the value with single quotes around it.

To specify a default value for a column

1. In Object Explorer, right-click the table with columns for which you want to specify a default value and click Design (Modify in SP1 or earlier).

   The table opens in Table Designer.

2. Select the column for which you want to specify a default value.

3. In the Column Properties tab, enter the new default value in the Default Value or Binding property or select a default binding from the drop-down list.

The new default value is assigned to the column in Table Designer after you click outside the grid cell or use the TAB key to move to another grid cell. It takes effect in the database when you save your changes in Table Designer.

See Also

Other Resources

Working with Columns (Visual Database Tools)
Column Properties (Visual Database Tools)

Help and Information

Getting SQL Server 2005 Assistance