Try the new modern SQL editor in Access!

The A-team is thrilled to announce another feature release! We've updated the monochrome editor to the Monaco SQL editor available to all in the current channel. This blog post highlights some of the features of the new editor.

In October 2024, we added an update to the SQL editor and some key modern features. The new editor is designed to align with other Microsoft IDEs like SSMS, Visual Studio, and VS Code, leveraging the same powerful UI library behind Visual Studio Code.

The Monaco editor supports essential features such as syntax highlighting, line numbering, light/dark themes, and more. Additional capabilities include auto-completion, comment handling, and formatting support. Built using a JavaScript framework and powered by the latest Edge browser technology, the editor works seamlessly offline.

Enable/Disable the Monaco editor in your current database

The Monaco SQL Editor can be toggled on/off. Note that the Monaco editor is only available in Access as part of Microsoft 365. Users of all other versions, including Access 2024, will continue to see the existing monochrome editor.

This setting is enabled by default for all databases and applies at the database level. For security reasons, the Monaco editor is only available on trusted databases; untrusted databases will use the previous monochrome editor.

Go to File > Options > Current Database.
Select or clear the Enable Monaco SQL Editor checkbox.

Control editor font style and size

Go to File > Options > Object Designers.
In the Query design section, choose the font style and font size. The default is Segoe UI 8. Note that while in the design editor, the font size may be increased using Ctrl + or decreased using Ctrl –.

Comment support

In Access queries, comments are supported only at the beginning of the query text, whereas in remote SQL queries, you can add comments anywhere. Comments appear in green.

Autocompletion support

Rich autocompletion support enhances the user experience by suggesting SQL keywords, functions, table and column names dynamically as you type. Additionally, it can reference form elements to streamline query writing, making it more intuitive and efficient for developers.

Rich keyboard shortcut support

Many familiar keyboard editing shortcuts from VS Code are now available in the Monaco SQL editor, providing a consistent and efficient workflow for developers. All available commands based on your current context are accessed using the F1 key, which opens a command palette like the one in VS Code, enabling quick navigation and command execution.

More resources

For more information about the new Monaco SQL editor, see Microsoft MVP Colin Riddington's detailed article New Monaco SQL Editor on his Access developer blog.

Published Nov 08, 2024

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lindalu-MSFT

Microsoft

Joined July 30, 2019

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Harun24HR
Bronze Contributor
Nov 24, 2024
Access team should also update SQL editor windows to remain text as is we save. Means, we format SQL syntax each field name in one line to make it easier to read and understand. But, after saving and reopening to SQL view it mix-up all filed in one line which is very clumsy.
SELECT tblManufacture.POS, tblManufacture.WCH, Sum(tblManufacture.ManufactureQty) AS Total, Max(tblManufacture.MDateTime) AS [Last Edit] FROM tblManufacture GROUP BY tblManufacture.POS, tblManufacture.WCH HAVING (((tblManufacture.WCH)=15));
Above is a simple SQL statement I edit in SQL view and save it then close the editor window. When I reopen the query in SQL view then it shows like-
SELECT tblManufacture.POS, tblManufacture.WCH, Sum(tblManufacture.ManufactureQty) AS Total, Max(tblManufacture.MDateTime) AS [Last Edit] FROM tblManufacture GROUP BY tblManufacture.POS, tblManufacture.WCH HAVING (((tblManufacture.WCH)=15));
Access team should improve so that I can see same as before as I save the query.
SebastienB
Copper Contributor
Nov 25, 2024
The new editor is eyecandy only. It doesn't support subqueries. For example, when switching this SQL query "SELECT * FROM (SELECT PrimaryKeyField, Field1, Field2 FROM Table) AS ReqTable" in design mode, you will see the subquery "ReqTable" but you won't see the fields in it (PrimaryKeyField, Field1, Field2). So it's impossible to create a relation on "ReqTable.PrimaryKeyField" with another table from there... Very disappointing and useless for me...
- Claire Whiting
  Copper Contributor
  Dec 04, 2024
  According to https://www.isladogs.co.uk/monaco-sql-editor/index.html#KI (scroll down to item s), this bug occurs only when there is a line break before the "FROM" in the subquery. If you remove the line break, you should be able to see the subquery fields in design view. Hopefully they'll fix the bug, but at least there's a workaround.
  - Harun24HR
    Bronze Contributor
    Dec 05, 2024
    The provided link is very helpful. Also removing the line break fixes switching from SQL to design view problem. Hope Microsoft team will fix all the issues permanently in near future.
LeeWHill
Copper Contributor
Nov 13, 2024
I have been using Access for nearly 30 years, and still find it incredibly useful, both personally and professionally. The thing that has most let it down for all that time is the SQL query editor, which was at best, basic, and at worst, antediluvian. As a database specialist, I prefer to write queries in SQL rather than using the designer, but it was incredibly frustrating in the old editor. I couldn't quite believe it when colours and intellisense suggestions just started appearing in my Access SQL last week! This is a MASSIVE improvement, especially the ability to change font style and size (proportional fonts in a code editor are just wrong!) I may well comment again when I've been using it for a while.
fmsap1968
Copper Contributor
Nov 25, 2024
"Access team should improve so that I can see same as before as I save the query."
Can it be resolved?
- George_Hepworth
  Silver Contributor
  Nov 25, 2024
  Microsoft is constantly working on issues like this. There's no public timetable, but there is constant feedback going to the Access team about the lack of enthusiasm for the current status of the Monaco SQL Editor in Access.
- Harun24HR
  Bronze Contributor
  Dec 05, 2024
  I am expecting same. MS team should more and more improvement.
tywonek
Copper Contributor
Nov 13, 2024
I think you have surprised a lot of people:) Super. I'm glad Access is still alive.
fmsap1968
Copper Contributor
Nov 14, 2024
I think you have surprised a lot of people:)
The best programming action of the year!!
fmsap1968
Copper Contributor
Nov 14, 2024
Incredible !! the most! Expected and accomplished. Thank you very much
S_Z_K
Copper Contributor
Nov 25, 2024
Will the VBA editor follow?

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