Rearranging columns using a columns selection

Ability allows you to rearrange columns in a table. This can be done very easily using your mouse (see Rearranging columns using the mouse). However, whenever you close a table the original column order, which you set when designing the table, is reinstated.

If particular column rearrangements are to be used frequently, it is a good idea to create a columns selection. The selection can then be applied to the table at any time. The rearrangement defined by the selection will be applied until you close the table or apply another selection.

To create a columns selection, do the following when in Table Grid View:

  1. Click on the Columns image\colview.gif button in the Query toolbar (alternatively, select Columns from the Format menu). The "Format Query" dialog is opened at the Columns page. In the right-hand box, Selected Fields, all the fields in the table are listed.

  2. Click on Remove All to move all the fields to the Available Fields box.

  3. You can now start moving the fields back to the Selected Fields in the order you want. Click on the field you want to be first in the table and then click on the Add button. The field is then moved back to the Selected Fields box.

  4. Click on the field you want to be second in the table and again click on Add. The field is moved back to Selected Fields and placed after the first field.

  5. Repeat the operation till all the fields have been moved and placed in the order you want.

  6. You can now give the column rearrangement its own name. Type a name in the Name box and then click on OK. You will be asked if you want to create a new column definition. Click on Yes.

You will be returned to the Table Grid View with the new column arrangement applied.

Note that the name of the columns selection appears in the box to the left of the Columns button on the Query toolbar. When you next want to apply this columns selection, all you have to do is click on the arrow at the right of the box and select the appropriate columns selection from the drop-down list.