title: MS Access: Filter/Search records in a form using main form and subform criteria from user input
body: <p>I'm currently working on a database which is rather complex, at least for my ability level. Essentially it is a database of projects, structures and contacts. Within these structures there are sub structures each with unique attributes. </p>
  
  <p>Projects, structures and contacts are joined together in one main control form with a tabbed pane. And within these panes are the forms which have multiple subforms. I am trying to write a search function which I can place on each form that will allow the user to select multiple criteria to filter results. However, some of the criteria or on the forms and other criteria are drawn from multiple subforms and to top it off some fields in the subforms have multiple entries. I understand that this may not sound like very sound database design, but I've been told to adhere to a specific structure and layout which I am not skilled enough to work through. </p>
  
  <p>I've been looking through allen browne's website regarding search criteria, but that is only one a single form. I've attempted to piece together the Subquery tutorial page as well, but to no avail. Essentially, I'm wondering if it is at all possible to filter information say.. the type of structure which is on the main form and then for example.. a range of numbers such as length which exists in a subform and an object proximity which exists in another subform, and have it so that the main form only displays records which fulfill that combination of criteria from the subforms and main form. </p>
  
  <p>My apologies if this is vague, and if it'll help I can post up the general framework I have for my database thus far. Thank you for any assistance you can provide. </p>
  
  <p>EDIT--- Added screenshots for more information
  I can't post images since my rep is below 10 but hopefully I can include links</p>
  
  <p><a href="http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/1594/99258898.png" rel="nofollow">http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/1594/99258898.png</a>
   <a href="http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/2186/27578829.png" rel="nofollow">http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/2186/27578829.png</a></p>
  
  <p>It's difficult to see here, but within the combo boxes some are multi-valued lists.  And the combo box on the first image to the right, is switched based on the selection of Type from the upper left combo box, which has different attributes.  Ideally I'd like to be able to search through primary forms and subforms. and result in records which only fulfill all the user inputted data.   Right now I've tried using filters, one for each criteria, but all that does is blank out information in the subforms which doesn't correspond to the filter criteria. </p>