Which type of Form layout is recommended?

[yes sir]

I have been working on this project for this guy.



One of the forms I'm working on is linked between three different tables. One option is to have buttons that can be clicked that will take you to different details of each prospect (thus opening up another form) and the other option is to use tabs to enter details of each prospect. Pictures below.

Option 1: The use of buttons. Another form will open up with a click of a button. The button "Stats" at the bottom was clicked and opened up the formStat.



Option 2: The use to tabs. No form opens up with each click. The form is unprintable however, since tabs are being used.



Which option would you recommend or do you prefer? Buttons or tabs.

[pbaldy]

I lean towards tabs myself. I would never print a form anyway, so not being able to print it is a non-issue. I would only print a report; you have a lot more control. Another option, particularly if the data is in related tables, is a single subform control that your buttons change the source of (ie put the appropriate subform into the control based on the button clicked).

[weekend00]

If explaination is not required, I choose tabs.
If explaination is required, I won't reply.

[yes sir]

If explaination is not required, I choose tabs.
If explaination is required, I won't reply.

I would assume if you picked one over the other that you have an explanation. Don't hold back on us.

I prefer tabs as well.

The majority of the data is from one table, but there are about 10-12 other fields that come from two other tables. Plus, I am not familiar with subforms.