Some people have a real knack for style and design, but often the look of a report becomes a low priority next to getting the actual report constructed. Fortunately, Access features an AutoFormat command that works in one of two ways.

If you have chosen to build your Report using the wizard, you will be prompted to pick a style from one of the pre-formatted styles built into Access. Each level of header and footer as well as the style of each control stays consistent throughout.

If you have built your report manually, you can apply any of the pre-made formatting styles by clicking the AutoFormat button () on the Report Design toolbar.

Click a theme and then click OK to apply it to your report. In addition to selecting a format, you can modify certain elements of an existing theme. Click the Options button to decide which elements to modify:

Then, click the Customize button to modify elements of the theme:

Choose an option and click OK, then adjust the elements as you see fit.