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How to Find the SetValue Action for a Microsoft Access Macro

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to locate the SetValue action while creating or editing a macro in Microsoft Access, which is hidden by default.

Product: Microsoft Access
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating or editing a macro to automate property or data changes in an Access database.
Observed behavior: The SetValue action does not appear in the standard dropdown list of available macro actions.

Before you start

Ensure your Access database is open and you have navigated to the Macro Design View for the specific macro you wish to edit.

Solution 1Recommended

Enable Show All Actions in the Macro Design Window

Reveal hidden and potentially unsafe macro actions, including SetValue, by toggling the Show All Actions setting in the Access ribbon.

By default, Microsoft Access hides certain macro actions that can modify data or system properties, such as SetValue, to maintain security. You can easily reveal these by adjusting the display settings in the macro editor.

Open Macro Design View

Right-click the macro you want to edit in the Navigation Pane and select Design View.

Locate the Show/Hide Group

On the Macro Design tab located in the top Ribbon menu, look for the Show/Hide group.

Enable Show All Actions

Click on the 'Show All Actions' button. It will highlight to indicate that it is active.

Select the SetValue Action

Click the 'Add New Action' dropdown list in the macro window. Scroll through the list or type 'SetValue', which is now visible and available for selection.

Trust Center Settings: If the 'Show All Actions' button is grayed out, you must either click 'Enable Content' in the security warning bar at the top of the screen or move your database to a Trusted Location.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the SetValue action hidden by default in Access?

SetValue is considered an unsafe action because it can modify data or properties. Access hides unsafe actions by default in databases that are not fully trusted to protect users against malicious code execution.

Can I use the SetValue action in Access web databases?

No, the SetValue action is only available in desktop databases. For web apps or newer cloud-based Access environments, you may need to use data macros or the SetProperty action instead.

What should I do if 'Show All Actions' is grayed out?

This typically happens if the database is not in a Trusted Location or if you haven't clicked 'Enable Content' in the Message Bar upon opening the file. You must adjust your Trust Center settings or enable active content for the current session to click the button.

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