Define Report Content: Insert, Format, Resize, Move, Or Delete A Table
Tables can be used to define report content. A Table is a data region consisting of rows and columns of text boxes that can be used to organise data.
Insert a table
For example, should you want to create a table showing Appointment names, positions and appointment dates:
- From the Entity Tree area, drag the Appointment entity on to the Report Design Surface.
The related data is automatically transformed into a tabular format that is populated with some of the Appointment Attributes.
Selecting the table will reveal its Adorners: table selection, row/column headers, and Groups information.
Format a table
Various formatting options are available to change the format and/or style of a table, at different levels of area selection.
When a table is not selected, a limited amount of formatting options are available.
Selecting an area on the table, or the entire table, enables additional formatting options.
Selecting the grey Report Design Surface Canvas area will display page related formatting options in the Properties panel, such as margins and page orientation.
Change layout style
To change the layout style of a table:
- Select the table.
- In the Properties panel, select the Style dropdown menu in the Layout section to select an alternative style.
Switch theme
To change the theme of the entire report, navigate to: Report > Switch Theme and select an alternative theme.
Add a Report Header
The use of Headers is highly recommended as they will prevent reports from displaying blank when no data is preset and the report is 'empty'.
To add Header to the report:
- Select the Report tab, then on the Add Header icon.
A Page Header area is added to the Report Design Surface and separated from the remainder of the page by a dotted line of demarcation. The line can be moved to expand the Header area.
The Add Header icon changes to a Remove Header icon.
- Select the TextBox icon and drag a text box into the Header area.
- Enter the text to be shown as your report header into the text box, the report title for example. This text will display when the report is generated.
Resize a table
To change the size of a table:
- Select the table to reveal the Adorners, then select the Table Select (four-head arrow) Adorner. Alternatively, select the Explorer icon and select the required table.
The entire table is selected.
- Drag the Adorner located in the bottom right-hand corner to change both the height and the width of the table.
To resize individual columns or rows:
- Select the table to reveal the Adorners.
- Hover over the edge of the column or row header to reveal the related column/row handle.
A left/right arrow displays over the column/row handle.
- Select and drag the arrow in the required direction to resize the column/row.
Move a table
To move a table:
- Select the table to reveal the Adorners, then select the Table Select (four-head arrow) Adorner. Alternatively, select the Explorer icon and select the required table.
The entire table is selected.
- Drag the Table Select Adorner to the new location on the Report Design Surface.
Delete a table
To delete a table:
- Select the table to reveal the Adorners.
- Right-click the Table Select (four-head arrow) Adorner.
A related table action menu displays.
- Select the Delete option from the menu.
The table is deleted.
Alternatively;
- Select the table to reveal the Adorners, then select the Table Select (four-head arrow) Adorner. Alternatively, select the Explorer icon and select the required table.
The entire table is selected.
- Press the Delete key on your keyboard.
The table is deleted.
Refer to the Grape City online user guide for advanced assistance with designing reports.
