Copyright: ReportSmith 3.0 Help ©1996 Borland International, Inc.


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An overview of ReportSmith

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ReportSmith™ is a powerful visual database reporting and query tool, integrated into Delphi, to provide a streamlined approach to creating reports using database files and tables. Using ReportSmith, you can:

create reports from SQL and PC databases without knowing complex database commands.

edit and format reports, combining items such as data, text, charts, pictures, and sound bites.

use “live data” to see the result of your changes immediately.


What's new in this version?
What’s new in this version?

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ReportSmith 3.0 is newly designed for use with Borland Delphi 2.0 and Microsoft Windows 95. New or improved features include:

32-bit computing, for faster and smoother report generation

An improved API for more seamless integration with your Delphi applications

An improved user interface that makes report generation faster and easier


Connecting to a Delphi 2.0 data source

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A new connections model

In older versions of both ReportSmith and Delphi, incorporating report capabilities into your Delphi application was a “dual” process of establishing and maintaining data connections between your Delphi application and any data sources, as well as maintaining direct connections between ReportSmith and those same data sources.

Delphi and ReportSmith, working in tandem, have now simplified and streamlined that process. Now, using ReportSmith with your Delphi applications is as simple as selecting “Delphi” as the connection type within ReportSmith. The data connections themselves are handled through the TQuery and TTable components you included in your Delphi application, so all you need do in ReportSmith is “point to” the dataset(s) of your Delphi application as the data source(s).

Establishing a data connection

By placing the TQuery and TTable components, as appropriate, into your Delphi  application and then modifying their properties and events, you can establish persistent data connections that will provide your application with the desired data. Consult the Delphi 2.0 User’s Guide for detailed information on using these components to create a data connection for your application.

Once your Delphi  application has established a data connection and is capable of importing data, it becomes the data source for ReportSmith. To use this data source, simply specify “Delphi” as the connection type and your application as the data source, when building your report query.”

Initiating ReportSmith connections

While you can safely and easily maintain existing ReportSmith direct connections to Borland Database Engine (BDE), Open Database Connectivity (ODBC), and Native API data sources, you’ll find it easier and more efficient to initiate connections between ReportSmith and your Delphi applications, so you can use those applications as ReportSmith’s data sources.

  Click here for instructions on initiating ReportSmith connections.


Initiating ReportSmith - Delphi connections
To initiate ReportSmith – Delphi connections:

1.	In your Delphi application, place one or more active TTable or TQuery components on a form, setting their properties as appropriate to establish the desired data connection(s) and table links. (See the Delphi 2.0 User’s Guide for details on how to do this.)

2.	Place a TReport component on the form.

3.	Right-click the TReport component, then choose Edit Report from the pop-up menu.

ReportSmith appears in the Delphi IDE.

4.	In ReportSmith, create a new report, specifying the appropriate dataset(s) of your Delphi application when adding tables to your report query.

You’ve now initiated a new ReportSmith-Delphi connection. The final step is to save this report as a named .RPT file, so Delphi will automatically load it in future, whenever you access your application’s reporting capabilities.

To save this report and associate it with your Delphi application,

1.	In ReportSmith, name and save the report, then exit ReportSmith, and return to Delphi.

2.	Set the Report Name property of TReport to the new report name.

3.	Place a button on the form, and attach the following code to the button’s OnClick event: report1.run.  (Remember to substitute the actual name of your TReport component, if you have renamed it.)

At run time, clicking the button you just added launches the ReportSmith Runtime Viewer and displays the contents of the associated report.

Important	Because Delphi , rather than ReportSmith, will be maintaining the connection, remember to specify such options as table and column selection, sorting, and grouping as part of establishing the data connection within your Delphi application.


Connection types
Types of Connections

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To build a report, you must first tell ReportSmith where to find the data you want to include, and how to access that data.

ReportSmith supports three types of connections to enable you to connect to data sources: BDE, ODBC, and native connections. You may use one or more of these connections, depending on the data sources you are working with.

Note:	If you are using Borland Delphi to create new reports, use the Delphi TQuery component to establish data connections. ReportSmith 3.0 will continue to support existing ReportSmith connections of any of the types listed here.

BDE (Borland Database Engine)

Borland Database Engine (BDE) enables you to connect to BDE-enabled Borland desktop products, such as Paradox or Visual dBASE, or SQL data sources supported by the Borland SQL Links, such as InterBase. Earlier version of BDE were known as Integrated Database Application Programming Interface (IDAPI).

ODBC

Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) drivers enable you to connect to PC and SQL ODBC data sources. You can install any 32-bit ODBC drivers, normally provided by the manufacturer of your database software, and installed as part of the database installation process.

Note:	For information about ODBC connectivity, double-click the ODBC Administrator icon in the Windows Control Panel, or choose File | ODBC Setup in ReportSmith.

Native API

A native Application Programming Interface (API) connection is integrated into ReportSmith and enables you to connect to SQL data sources. Since they are integrated within ReportSmith, native connections can retrieve data sets faster than other connection types, so we recommend you use native connections (when applicable) before ODBC or IDAPI.


Supported data formats

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Each data source supported by ReportSmith appears below.

Note:	If you are using Borland Delphi to create new reports, use the Delphi TQuery component to establish data connections. ReportSmith 3.0 will continue to support existing ReportSmith connections to any of the data formats listed here.

Microsoft Access 1.0 and later

Btrieve 5.x and earlier

DB2

dBASE (I, II, III, and IV), dBASE V for Windows, Visual dBASE

Delphi 2.0

Excel 1.0 and later

FoxPro 2.0 - 2.6

Informix 4.1.0

InterBase

Oracle 6.0, 7.0 - 7.2

Paradox 1.0 - 7.0

SQL Server

SQLBase

Sybase

Teradata DBC/1012 4.1.1 or later

Text files

Paradox

Note:	For information about specific database versions refer to printed ReportSmith documentation. You may also connect directly to a data source not listed above, if the manufacturer of your database product has supplied the necessary ReportSmith driver.


Specifying files to include

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A report contains data from tables (local database tables can also be referred to as files). ReportSmith needs to know where to find these tables.

To connect to a database:

1.	Navigate to the Select Table To Be Added Dialog Box. Choose a database type from the Type list.

2.	If you specify a server-based database such as SQL Server, Oracle, or Ingres, you'll be prompted for server, user ID and password. Information you enter in the dialog box varies depending on the database type you're connected to.

3.	If you specify a local PC-based database such as dBASE, Paradox, or Btrieve, you can go to the directory where the files are located and select a table.

4.	Specify the location of the database in the Drives and Directories list boxes. If you've defined a connection, select it from the Connections list box. A list of available tables appears in the Files box.

5.	Select a table and choose OK.

6.	For server based connections, choose Server Connect. In the Get Connection dialog box enter the information for the type of connection you want to make and choose OK.

Using the Get Connection Dialog Box

Settings in this dialog box depend on the database type you specify. In most cases you will enter the Server name, User ID, and Password. However, for some database types such as Ingres or dBASE, the dialog box prompts you for information specific to those database types.

To create a connection for a new report, save a new report and ReportSmith automatically saves the user name, data path and database table name for you. The next time you create a new report, ReportSmith remembers the last data source you connected to and automatically displays that connection information. You can cancel it if you intend to use a different data source.

Note:	You do not need a user-defined connection to connect to a table.


Saving a data connection

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ReportSmith can save database login information in items called named connections. With named connections, you can:

Save time. You do not need to retype database information that you use frequently.

Shield the end user from knowing server names or data paths by setting up their connections.

You can set up a permanent or temporary connection by telling ReportSmith the data path or server information for your system.

A user-defined connection is a permanent connection you set up that lets you quickly access database frequently-used tables.

If required, ReportSmith prompts you to enter your password and connects you to the database. Once you create a connection and save it, the next time you access the database you created for that connection, you can select the name you assigned to the connection and ReportSmith makes the connection.

Note:	See your system administrator for server IDs and help in setting up connections you plan to use frequently.

 Click here for instructions on saving named connections.


To create and save a named connection:

1.	Choose File | Connections to open the Connections dialog box.

2.	In the Name box, type a name for the connection. For example, you may have a connection to a database that holds employee sales records, and want to name that connection Sales.

3.	Enter the information for your connection type and choose Save.

4.	Choose OK. This named connection appears in the Table Open Connections box the next time you choose File | New.

Tip:	To use a data connection when creating a report, select it in the Connections box.


Using BDE Connections

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Connecting to PC Data Sources

ReportSmith connects to dBASE and Paradox through the Borland Database Engine (BDE), provided by ReportSmith.

Note:	For specific requirements and connection issues, see printed documentation.

Connecting to SQL Data Sources

ReportSmith enables you to connect to the following SQL databases through BDE:

  InterBase

Note:	For specific requirements and connection issues, see printed documentation.


Using native API connections

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ReportSmith connects to the following server databases through ODBC (supplied by your database manufacturer), and native connections:

  DB2

  ORACLE

  SQL Server/Sybase

  SQLBase

  Teradata

Note:	For specific requirements and connection issues, see printed documentation.


Using ODBC connections

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ReportSmith uses Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) standards for connecting to PC data sources. Earlier versions of ReportSmith installed older ODBC drivers automatically and set up default data sources for the connections that require ODBC (you choose these connections during the installation process). You can edit these default data sources, delete them, or add additional ones by using File | ODBC Setup. However, ReportSmith 3.0 cannot provide updated ODBC drivers; you must obtain these from your database manufacturer.

You can create multiple data source drivers of the same database type to point to different data.

Connecting to PC Data Sources Through ODBC

ReportSmith connects to the following PC data sources through ODBC:

  Access

  Btrieve

  dBASE/xBASE

  Excel

  FoxPro

  Paradox

  Text

Note:	For specific requirements and connection issues, see printed documentation.

 Click here for instructions on modifying ODBC drivers.


How do I modify ODBC drivers?
To modify ODBC drivers:

1.	Choose Start | Settings | Control Panel

2.	Double-click the 32-bit ODBC icon.

3.	In the Data Sources dialog box, select the ODBC driver you want to modify.

4.	Choose Setup, change settings as appropriate, then choose OK.

5.	In the Data Sources dialog box, choose Options to set or modify global ODBC-driver options.

6.	When you have finished modifying ODBC drivers, choose OK.

To add a data source:

1.	In the Data Sources dialog box, choose Add. The Add Data Source dialog box appears.

2.	Select a data source from the list of installed drivers, then choose OK. The ODBC Setup dialog box appears.

3.	.Enter the name of the data source into the Data Source Name box. This name appears on the data source list in ReportSmith, for you to create a connection.

4.	.Enter an optional description.

5.	Modify other settings as necessary for your database and choose OK. The Data Sources dialog box appears.

6.	After adding your data source, choose Close to exit the Data Sources dialog box.

To delete a data source:

  In the Data Sources dialog box, select the data source you want to delete, then choose Delete.


Using the connection (.CON) file

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A connection file stores the connections you set and name with File | Connections. This option, specified through the Options dialog box, sets the location and name of each connection file.

The default connection file name is RPTSMITH.CON, which ReportSmith stores in your Windows working directory. If your Windows working directory is on a local area network (LAN), give the connection file for each workstation a unique file name, with a three-character .CON file extension. For this option, place the text cursor in the text box to enter the drive, directory, and file name for the Connection file.


Using standard report types

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ReportSmith offers four standard report types, to suit most reporting needs. Within each type, you can also specify built-in or custom report styles to suit your particular needs. The four standard report types are shown in the following table:

Report Type	Description

Columnar	Displays data from tables you select in fields grouped across the report page in vertical columns.

Crosstab	Displays data in a spreadsheet or summary format.

Form	Displays data in free-form format across the report page.

Label	Displays data in label format.

 Click here for instructions on choosing a report type.


To choose a report type:

1.	Choose File | New, or click the New File toolbar button.

The Create A New Report dialog box appears.

2.	Select the type of report you want to create: columnar, crosstab, label or form.

To select a built-in or custom style, choose Style.


Using master/detail and summary-only report subtypes

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Master/detail reports

You can create a report using more than one query, called a master/detail report. Generally, the master report contains one record per key value, while the detail report contains many records per key value.

For example, a master table might show the single record for Jennifer Davis, the customer, and provide a summary of her stock holdings. The details tables provide exactly that—detail concerning the transactions she has made that resulted in her current holdings totals.

A master/detail report is a multiple-query report with a relationship of A to B, A to C, A to D, and so on. The report breaks data into groups so that for each record in the A table, corresponding records in the B database print beneath it, followed by corresponding records in the C database. Each query in the report can come from a different data source.

Click here for instructions on creating master/detail reports.

Summary-only reports

A summary-only report presents only summarized values, omitting the details used to arrive at those values. For example, in a report summarizing the number of videos sold by each (of several) video store, the total amount of sales for each video store appears, but not the individual orders constituting the total.

Click here for instructions on creating summary-only reports.


Creating a master/detail report
To create a master/detail report:

1.	Create a new columnar report to serve as the master report.

2.	Choose Insert | Detail Reports. The Master/Detail Reports dialog box appears, with Master Report as the default name for the master query.

3.	To add another query (“detail”) to your report, choose Add, to display the Report Query - Tables dialog box with no added tables or links ready for a new query.

4.	In the Report Query - Tables dialog box, choose Add Table. The Select Table To Be Added dialog box appears. Select one or more tables and choose OK.

5.	Select columns to include or exclude, then choose Done to return to the Master/Detail Reports dialog box.

6.	Choose Link to display the Link Master/Detail Reports dialog box, then select a common field in each table for linking tables, and choose OK to return to the Master/Detail Reports dialog box..

Important:	You cannot use a field marked "For Use In Query Only" to link master/detail reports. ReportSmith links fields based on data within them, and when you mark a field "For Use In Query Only" in the Table Columns dialog box, this excludes the field data.

7.	In the Master/Detail Reports dialog box, choose OK to load records onto your report.

Tip:	Make sure View | Boundaries is on so you can see the distinct sections of your report: RSMain Report 1, and Detail Report 1.


To create a summary-only report:

1.	Create a columnar report and add a group footer.

2.	Assign calculations using the summary buttons on the toolbar.

3.	Enlarge the footer so it spans the size of the page.

—or—

Choose Format | Section, check the Hide Detail option, and choose OK.


Using and creating report styles

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Within each of the four standard report types, you can further customize the look and feel of your reports by applying built-in or customized report style. Use the Report Styles dialog box to save report styles, edit styles, set default styles, choose styles, and delete styles.

  Click here for instructions on using report styles.


To use, create, or modify report styles:

To open the Report Styles dialog box, open a report and choose Format | Report Styles, or click the Styles toolbar button.

Applying styles

The Report Styles dialog box lists all system styles (those installed by ReportSmith) and any custom report styles for the selected report type.

  To use a report style, select the style and choose OK.

  To make a report style the default style for the selected report type, choose Use As Default.

You can apply a style using the ribbon or using the Style Extractor.

Naming styles

Style names can contain up to 24 characters and can include any combination of characters and spaces. Style names are not case-sensitive. The name you assign a style must be unique within a particular report. For example, a crosstab can only have one style named "Financial."

Modifying styles

Modifying a style, or creating a style “from scratch,” is a simple matter of formatting your report as you want it to appear, then creating a new style name for the report’s appearance. Once you have defined and named a style, it appears in the Report Styles dialog box and you can apply it to any number of reports.

To create a new style:

1.	Format your report to appear as you want.

2.	Choose Format | Report Styles, or click the Styles toolbar button.

3.	In the Report Styles dialog box, choose New.

4.	Enter a unique name for the new style, then choose OK to return to the Report Styles dialog box.

Redefining a style updates that style only in the active document, leaving those reports which you've previously formatted with that same style untouched. To modify other reports that use the same style, open each report and apply the redefined style using either the ribbon or the Style Extractor.

To redefine a custom style:

1.	Select a report that has the style you want to redefine and make any formatting changes.

2.	Click the Styles toolbar button.

3.	In the Report Styles dialog box, choose Edit.

4.	Modify the formatting of report elements as desired, then choose OK to return to the Report Style dialog box.

Note:	You cannot edit or delete a system report style.

To delete a style:

1.	In the Report Style dialog box, select the custom style you want to delete.

2.	Choose Delete, then choose Yes to confirm the deletion.

3.	Choose Done to close the Report Style dialog box and return to ReportSmith.

Note:	You cannot edit or delete a system report style.


An overview of report creation

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1.  Choose File | New, or click the New File toolbar button, to obtain the Create A New Report dialog box.

Click here to see Step 2.


An overview of report creation - Step 2

When you choose File | New, ReportSmith displays the Create A New Report dialog box, represented by the graphic below.

Click here to return to Step 1, or here to see Step 3.


An overview of report creation - Step 3

You can also optionally select a report style (a named collection of formatting choices) for each report type, or simply use the default style.

Click here to return to Step 2, or here to see Step 4.


An overview of report creation - Step 4

Like Step 3, this step is optional. If you choose to use a report style other than the default style for the selected report type, make your choices in the Report Styles dialog box, represented by the graphic below.

Click here to return to Step 3, or here to see Step 5.


An overview of report creation - Step 5

Click here to return to Step 4, or here to see Step 6.


An overview of report creation - Step 6

Click here to return to Step 5, or here to see Step 7.


An overview of report creation - Step 7

Click here to return to Step 6, or here to see Step 8.


An overview of report creation - Step 8

Click here to return to Step 7, or here to see Step 9.


An overview of report creation - Step 9

Click here to return to Step 8, or here to Step 10, the final step in this overview.


An overview of report creation - Step 10

This is the final step in this overview of report creation. If you’d like to see the overview again, click here.


Creating a new report query

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Before you import data into a report, you must first create a report query. You do this by choosing File | New to display the Report Query dialog box, then creating a report query to obtain exactly the data you want. (You can also click the New File toolbar button.)

By using the Report Query dialog box, you can build an entire report query before bringing the data into your workspace. This allows you to specify selections and other parts of a query without waiting for the data to load into your workspace.

The Report Query dialog box appears when you have used the Create A New Report dialog box to specify the report type and style. When it is first displayed, it will appear ready for you to add and configure tables to this query. Note that, by default, the Tables option is already selected, Report Variables and SQL are the only other available options. Additional options become available once a table has been added.

 Click here for instructions on creating a new report query.


To create a report query:

1.	Choose File | New to display the Create A New Report dialog box, and specify the report type and style.

2.	Use the Report Query dialog box to add and link tables.

Note:	The Report Query dialog box appears when you have specified a report type and style, in creating a new report. However, several options, including aliases and table linking, will not be available until you have added one or more tables to the report.


Using direct SQL entry

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By using direct SQL entry to create a report, you can place the appropriate list box items into an SQL formula to specify the SQL statement text, define macro-derived fields, and create report variable for the new report.

Restrictions on SQL text entry

After you convert a report to SQL text entry, you cannot convert it back to ReportSmith’s regular mode. You must maintain the SQL text directly.

Although ReportSmith can generate SQL text for you, it cannot process or interpret SQL statements. Because you are entering SQL statements directly, you may be manipulating the data source in ways ReportSmith cannot recognize.

You can still use ReportSmith formatting, presentation, and macro features on your report, even if you are using SQL text entry to retrieve the data from the data source.

  Click here for instructions on using direct SQL entry.

  Click here for instructions on viewing SQL text that you or ReportSmith has created.

  Click here for instructions on converting from ReportSmith format to SQL text.


To create a report using direct SQL entry:

1.	Choose File | New, specify a report type and style, then choose OK to open the Report Query dialog box.

2.	Choose SQL. The Report Query - SQL dialog box appears. Note that no SQL text is yet displayed, because no tables have been added.

3.	Choose Edit SQL. The Report Query - Edit SQL dialog box appears.

Warning:	A report in SQL format cannot be returned to ReportSmith format.

4.	Choose Connection to select a data source connection, then choose OK to return to the Report Query - SQL dialog box.

5.	Use the Table and Column Browser to view and add fields in one or more tables.

--or--

Type the appropriate SQL text directly into the Formula window.

6.	When you have finished creating the SQL query, choose Done.


Using the Table and Column Browser

If you need assistance selecting fields and tables when writing an SQL statement, use the Table and Column Browser --- the leftmost column of the Report Query - SQL dialog box. With it, you can select tables you’re working with and view them in the Browser while creating your SQL query. The Browser enables you to drag and drop these items into your SQL statement, eliminating extra keystrokes. The Browser is also helpful when you’re working with several tables, eliminating the need to track field and table names.

To add tables and columns to the Browser:

1.	In the Report Query - SQL dialog box, open the Table and Column Browser/Report Variable combo box by clicking its arrow, and ensure that you have selected the Table/Column Browser.

2.	Double-click the Add Tables To List option in the tables list (if this option is shown). The Select Table to Add to Browser dialog box, which is nearly identical to the Select Table To Be Added dialog box, appears.

3.	Select a table to add to the Browser and choose OK, repeating this step for each table you want to add to the Browser. Each table’s columns are listed below the table name in the Browser.


Viewing SQL text

You can also use ReportSmith to view SQL text that either you or ReportSmith has created.

To view SQL text:

1.	Open or create a report.

2.	Click the SQL button on the ReportSmith toolbar

–or—

Choose Tools | SQL Text.

–or—

In the Report Query dialog box, choose the SQL option.


Converting from ReportSmith format to SQL text

You can switch from ReportSmith format to SQL text entry mode in an existing report, if necessary. This can save you time in situations where you can create much of your report query using ReportSmith’s query building functions, but still need to perform some manual SQL text entry.

Caution:	Although you can convert ReportSmith formats to SQL text entry, the reverse is not true. Once a report has been converted to SQL text entry mode, you must directly maintain the SQL text; you cannot convert this report back to ReportSmith format.

To convert a report to SQL text entry mode:

1.	Choose one of the following actions:

 Click the SQL button on the ReportSmith toolbar.

 Choose the SQL option in the Report Query dialog box.

 Choose Tools | SQL Text from the ReportSmith menu bar.

The SQL dialog box appears.

2.	Choose Edit SQL. ReportSmith warns you that this report cannot be converted back to ReportSmith format. Choose Yes to continue, and the Report Query - SQL dialog box appears.

3.	Edit the SQL text as appropriate, then choose Test to test the edited version. ReportSmith displays a message informing you of a successful test run; choose OK to clear this message.

4.	When you have finished editing the SQL text, choose Done to save changes, or Cancel to discard them.


Adding or removing tables

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After you have specified a report type and style, the next step in building the report query is to add the appropriate tables to the query. You can choose to add only one table to your report (this is common when creating label reports, for example), but you must have more than one table in order to use table links.

 Click here for instructions on adding tables.


To add tables to a report query:

1.	In the Report Query dialog box, select the Tables option if it is not already selected.

2.	Choose Add Table. The Select Table To Be Added dialog box appears.

3.	In the Type dropdown box, select the type of driver (Paradox, dBASE, and so on) to use for this data connection. (The driver type should match the data format of the table you are adding.)

4.	Navigate to the drive and directory (or server and database, as appropriate) containing the table you want to add, select the appropriate table from the file list, then choose OK. (If you’ve defined a connection you’d like to use, you can simply choose it from the Connections dropdown box, instead of specifying the drive and directory.)

To add additional tables:

Repeat steps 1 through 3 above for each table to be added. You need not use only one connection type when adding multiple tables, although this is most common.

Once you have added one or more tables to the report query, the Report Query dialog box changes to reflect this, all report query options are now available, and you are now ready to join (or “link”) tables.


Linking tables

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If you have more than one table in your report, you will need to link these tables using related fields, to avoid generating enormous reports as each record of the first table is matched to all records of the second table, and so on. The fields must contain matching data in corresponding records. Usually, though not always, shared fields will also share the same name.

There are two ways to link data in ReportSmith:

Create a new link between two tables

Merge two existing ReportSmith reports


Creating a new table link

Use this technique to link tables before loading the data into your report.

To create a table link:

1.	Ensure that you have added at least two tables to your report, using the Tables option of the Report Query dialog box.

2.	In the Report Query dialog box (Tables option), choose Add New Link. The Create New Table Link dialog box appears.

3.	Set table and field links as appropriate, being sure to specify the relational operator to link fields, and whether unmatched records should be listed.

4.	Choose OK to create the link and close this dialog box.

Tip	Each table in a multi-table report must be included in at least one link. A good rule of thumb is to ensure the number of links is equal to or greater than the number of tables in your report, minus one.

To edit an existing link:

1.	In the Report Query dialog box (Tables option), choose Edit Link. The Edit Table Link dialog box appears.

2.	Edit the link, or create a new link, as appropriate, then choose OK.

To delete a link:

1.	In the Report Query dialog box, select the link you want to delete.

2.	Choose Remove Link.

If you try to create a multi-table report without linking the tables, ReportSmith will warn you by displaying a message warning you that unlinked tables can create excessively large numbers of report records.

If you see this message, you have at least one table in your report without a valid link to any other table. If you choose No in this message box, ReportSmith creates a Cartesian product of the tables, matching each record in the first table to all records in the second table. This results in a very large set of records.

You might not want to specify a table link if you will be using selection criteria to create a more complicated link. In this case, use the Report Query dialog box to specify the selection criteria before loading data into the report.

If you do not have the available system resources to generate such a large table, or if you are not planning on a more complex link through selection criteria, choose Yes in this message box. Then, use the Report Query dialog box to create valid links between the tables in your report.


Merging reports

Use this method to link two table by tiling two ReportSmith reports, then merging them through a common column.

Note	You must have both reports open in order to merge them.

To merge reports:

1.	Open both reports.

2.	Choose Window | Tile to display both reports onscreen simultaneously.

3.	Select a column common to both reports.

4.	Choose Merge. Data from the inactive report merges into the data on the active report.

5.	Close the inactive report, choosing whether to save or discard it.


Specifying table columns to include or exclude

  Related Topics

You can define specific columns from tables you’ve chosen to appear in your report. ReportSmith offers two ways to select columns:

Use the Table Columns dialog box to exclude columns before loading them into your report.

Select them visually on the completed report and delete them from the report display.

Note	By default, ReportSmith generally includes all columns in a table. If you want ReportSmith to default to excluding all columns, edit the [Options] section of RPTSMITH.INI as follows: ExcludeFields = 1.

 Click here for instructions on including or excluding table columns.


To include or exclude specific table columns from a report:

1.	In the Report Query - Tables dialog box, choose Table Columns. The Table Columns dialog box appears.

2.	Set column inclusions and exclusions as appropriate: (Unselected columns are loaded into the report by default.)

- To select a block of columns, click the first column, then Shift-click the last column in the block.

- To select multiple non-contiguous columns, Ctrl-click each column.

- Choose Select All to quickly select all columns from your report.

3.	Choose Advanced options to display additional inclusion options. Advanced options are unavailable for BDE connections to Paradox, dBASE, or Delphi.

4.	Verify your inclusion and exclusion options and choices, using the following table as a guide.

Option	Function
Include in report	Includes data in both report and query. Choose this option for any column you intend to use in a table link, and for which you want data included in the report.
Exclude from report	Excludes data from report and query. Choose this option to completely exclude selected column(s) from any use whatsoever in the report. The column’s data will not be downloaded, and the column(s) will not be available for use anywhere in the report query, including in table links.
Include columns value only	Downloads column’s data into your report for display purposes, but excludes column from use in the report query. Although column(s) cannot be used in the query, they can be used to link master/detail reports.
Include only for use in query	Data does not appear on the report, but can be used in the query, or to create table links. If this option is chosen, the column cannot be used to link master/detail reports, nor can its value be displayed in the report.

5.	Create or edit column aliases as desired. (Aliases can be useful when the column name is complex or difficult to remember. The alias will appear in the report, as the field label.)

6.	Choose OK.

To change column inclusion/exclusion settings:

You can change column selection at any time by opening the Table Columns dialog box and once again choosing columns to include or exclude from your report.

1.	On the ReportSmith menu bar, choose Tools | Report Query.

2.	In the Report Query - Tables dialog box, choose Table columns.

3.	Select columns for inclusion or exclusion as appropriate, then choose OK, and rebuild your report.

Tip	In the Table Columns dialog box, you can double-click a column to cycle through its inclusion/exclusion options.

To exclude columns visually:

You can also remove columns’ visual representations from your completed report. This does not remove these columns from the report definition; they remain in the report query and definition and be visually replaced at any time.

To visually delete a column, select the columns you intend to delete in the completed report, then press Del. (Shift-click to select contiguous blocks of columns, Ctrl-click to select multiple non-contiguous columns.)


Filtering data through selection criteria

  Related Topics

Much of the data sorting and grouping you perform is based primarily on columns, but you can also choose which rows to display in your report by specifying selection criteria.

Selection criteria limit the data set to display only specific records, reducing the size of data and making it more focused. ReportSmith includes a record in your data set only if it meets your criteria. You can specify one criterion or multiple criteria for ReportSmith to match your data.

For  example, you might want to specify multiple criteria to view employee records where HIRED is greater than or equal to January 1, 1992 or TITLE is equal to “Sales.” By changing the selection criteria so that both conditions must be met—HIRED must be greater than January 1, 1992 and TITLE must be equal to “Sales”—the data can be refined even farther:

ReportSmith offers you two ways to specify selection criteria for your reports:

Using the Selections dialog box

Using the Field Selection Criteria dialog box

Note	When using the Delphi Data Connection to create new reports, use the TQuery component of Delphi (rather than ReportSmith) to specify selection criteria.


Using the Selections dialog box
To specify selection criteria using the Selections dialog box:

  Related Topic

You can use ReportSmith’s Selections dialog box to specify which records you want to display on your report. You can use English sentences (as opposed to SQL) to construct the selection criteria, building a basic outline which you can modify. You can also use SQL to create your selection criteria.

1.	Choose Tools | Selections.

—or—

In the Report Query dialog box, choose the Selections option. The Report Query - Selections dialog box appears.

2.	Click the number where you want to place a new sentence. ReportSmith displays a list of choices for adding or deleting items.

3.	Choose the Add Selection Criteria option.

4.	In the resulting sentence, click each underlined section to select from a list of options for that section, until the sentence represents the desired selection criterion.

5.	Check the Exclude Duplicate Rows option to avoid including any rows that contain the same data as another row.

As you choose items in a sentence, ReportSmith dynamically alters the outline of the sentence. Once a sentence has been entered and modified, you can click the sentence’s number again to view the list of options for adding more selection criteria or deleting existing criteria.

6.	After you’ve created your selection criteria, choose the Test Selections button to see the number of records that it retrieves.

To delete an item or a list:

1.	To delete a list, select the number corresponding to it.

—or—

To delete an item in a sentence, click to select it.

2.	Press the Delete key, or select Delete This Item from the drop-down list. If you selected a list, ReportSmith removes the list and its subcriteria from the construct. If you selected an item, ReportSmith removes that item.


To specify selection criteria using the Field Selection Criteria dialog box:

  Related Topic

By using the Field Selection Criteria dialog box, you can choose fields for your selection statement. Use this dialog box to create basic selection criteria for a report from the report surface (instead of navigating through the Report Query dialog boxes).

1.	Right-click a column, then choose Selection Criteria from the pop-up menu.

—or—

Choose Tools | Field Selection Criteria. The Field Selection Criteria dialog box appears.

2.	Use the features of this dialog box to set the appropriate field selection criteria.

You can also drag and drop fields from your report into the selection criteria.

{onestep.bmp}To set field selection criteria by dragging and dropping, select a field value on your report and drag it into the dialog box. ReportSmith creates the selection criterion for you.

To change the selection criteria directly in the completed report:

1.	Open a report and select a column you’d like to modify.

2.	Right-click and choose Selection Criteria from the pop-up menu.

—or—

Choose Tools | Field Selection Criteria. The Field Selection Criteria dialog box appears.

3.	If necessary, you can choose from the drop-down list boxes to select the field type and particular field whose criteria you want to modify.

4.	Click on may be any value (the default selection criterion) to see a list of options and select the appropriate criterion from the list.

5.	Select the appropriate criterion from the drop-down list.

Depending on the criterion you select, ReportSmith inserts default list types for the criterion statement, or appends additional criteria for you to further narrow the field selection.

If you have specified a selection criterion that involves use of a list (such as the must be in list statement, for example) ReportSmith inserts additional criteria: of values, specifying that the list will be one of values and not a formula, and <values>, for you to specify the values making up the list.

To specify list values,

1.	In the Field Selection Criteria dialog box, specify a “list-type” selection criterion, then click on <values>. The List Editor dialog box appears.

2.	Use the features of the List Editor to enter items and create a list of values.

—or—

Drag and drop the relevant data from the report into the List box of the List Editor dialog box.

3.	Choose Test to test the list validity, or choose OK to close the List Editor dialog box and return to the Field Selection Criteria dialog box.

Note:	If you entered your selection construct incorrectly, ReportSmith returns an error message. If this happens, correct the errors and test until you receive a success message.

4.	In the Field Selection Criteria dialog box, choose Done to exit.

ReportSmith applies the modified selection criteria to your report and regenerates it for you with the specified values. The changes you make in the Field Selection Criteria dialog box appear in the Selection dialog box.


Creating derived fields

  Related Topics

A derived field is a custom field that doesn’t exist in your tables, but is created from values contained in fields that do exist in those tables. You can create a derived field by combining two or more fields or by applying a calculation or formula to a field. For example, you might create a derived field by combining the EMP_FNAME and EMP_LNAME fields from your table, creating one field (FULLNAME) which contains both first and last employee names.

You can create two types of derived fields with ReportSmith:

SQL-derived fields, which rely on Structured Query Language statements to specify the parameters used in the derivation.

Macro-derived fields
Typically, ReportSmith uses SQL code to obtain the results of a derived field formula. This means your database calculates the derived data. However, there may be information you need to show in a field which cannot be created by your database. For example, to derive a percent of a total, you need to select the Defined by a ReportBasic Macro option to create the derived field locally. This is because SQL code can’t access summary fields, which are calculated locally.

Note:	When using the Delphi Data Connection to create new reports, use the SQL capabilities of Delphi (rather than ReportSmith) to specify SQL-derived fields.


Creating a SQL-derived field (instructions)
To create a SQL-derived field:

1.	Choose Tools | Derived Fields

—or—

Choose the Derived Fields option in a Report Query dialog box.

2.	Enter a name into the Derived Field Name box. This name cannot be a table column name; it also becomes the field label for the derived field if you insert it as a column in your report.

The Report Query - Derived Fields dialog box appears.

3.	Choose the Defined By SQL option.

Note:	Typically, ReportSmith uses SQL code to get the results of the derived field. This means your database, rather than ReportSmith itself, calculates the derived data.

4.	Choose Add. ReportSmith displays the Edit Derived Field dialog box, similar to the Report Query -  Edit SQL dialog box.

5.	Choose elements from the field, operator, and function list boxes (in any order) and place them in the Derived Field Formula window.

6.	Test your formula using the Test button until you receive a success message.

7.	Choose OK to return to the Report Query - Derived Fields dialog box. ReportSmith automatically inserts the derived fields into your report.


Creating a macro-derived field (instructions)
To create a macro-derived field:

1.	Choose Tools | Derived Fields

—or—

Choose the Derived Fields option in a Report Query dialog box.

The Report Query - Derived Fields dialog box appears.

2.	Enter a name into the Derived Field Name box. This name cannot be a table column name; it also becomes the field label for the derived field if you insert it as a column in your report.

3.	Choose Defined by ReportBasic Macro, then choose New. The Choose a New Macro dialog box appears.

4.	Choose New to create a new macro, or choose Load to add an existing macro to the Active Macros list. The Edit Macro dialog box appears.

ReportSmith has placed the first and last lines of your formula into the formula window. You do not need to re-enter them.

5.	Enter the macro code into the Macro formula text box, or drag and drop from the boxes at the top of the window, to create your macro formula.

6.	Choose Test to test your formula. If ReportSmith finds errors, correct them and press the Test button until you receive a success message.

7.	When you have built the macro to your satisfaction, choose OK to return to the Choose A Macro dialog box.

8.	In the Choose A Macro dialog box, choose OK to return to the Derived Fields dialog box.

9.	Choose Done to exit the Derived Fields dialog box.

ReportSmith automatically inserts the derived field for you.


Using aliases

  Related Topics

You can assign aliases to provide tables and columns with more easily remembered names. Similarly, aliases can sometimes help speed your report creation, as you needn’t remember complex directory and file name structures. You can even assign aliases to data values in crosstab reports, to have the alias displayed in the report instead of the original data value.

 Click here for instructions on creating table aliases.

 Click here for instructions on creating column aliases.

 Click here for instructions on creating crosstab data value aliases.


Creating a table alias (instructions)
To create a table alias:

1.	In the Report Query - Tables dialog box, select the table for which you want to create an alias.

2.	If the table already has an assigned alias, that alias is displayed in the alias list box, directly opposite the table it references.

3.	In the entry box below the alias list, enter the new alias for the selected table.

4.	Choose Assign New Alias. The new alias appears opposite the selected table.

5.	Repeat steps 1 through 4 for every table alias you want to create.

 Click here for instructions on creating column aliases.

 Click here for instructions on creating crosstab data value aliases.


Creating a column alias (instructions)
To create a column alias:

1.	In the Table Columns dialog box, select the column for which you want to create an alias.

2.	If the column already has an assigned alias, that alias is displayed in the alias list box, directly opposite the column it references.

3.	In the entry box below the alias list, enter the new alias for the selected column.

4.	Choose Assign New Alias. The new alias appears opposite the selected column.

5.	Repeat steps 1 through 4 for every column alias you want to create.

Note:	This dialog box creates column aliases only for the table selected in the Report Query - Tables dialog box. To create aliases for columns in other tables, first select that table in the Report Query - Tables dialog box, then choose Table Columns to assign column aliases.

 Click here for instructions on creating table aliases.

 Click here for instructions on creating crosstab data value aliases.


Creating a crosstab data-value alias (instructions)
To create crosstab data value aliases:

In the Data Value aliases dialog box (for either crosstab row options or crosstab column options), select the data value for which you want to create an alias.

If the data value already has an assigned alias, that alias is displayed in the alias list box, directly opposite the data value it references.

3.	In the entry box below the alias list, enter the new alias for the selected data value.

4.	Choose Assign New Alias. The new alias appears opposite the selected data value.

5.	Repeat steps 1 through 4 for every data value alias you want to create.

Note:	Data value aliases are displayed in the report, in lieu of the original name of the data value.

 Click here for instructions on creating table aliases.

 Click here for instructions on creating column aliases.


Sorting report data

  Related Topics

For the data in your report to be meaningful and easily read, it must be sorted into a discernible and logical order. You can sort data columns in a report in ascending or descending order (based on the data type contained in that column), combining and interrelating these actions to create a logical sort order for your report data.

ReportSmith offers two means of sorting data: the Sort buttons on the toolbar (located at the top of the ReportSmith application window), and the Tools | Sorting menu command.

Note	In some cases, ReportSmith sorts data for you, such as when you press a Header or Footer button.

Click here for instructions on sorting data.


To sort data with the toolbar:

1.	Select a column in your report you want to sort:

2.	In a columnar report, click the field label (column name) or the data contained in the column.

—or—

3.	In another report type (form, or label) click the field itself in a data category (column) you want to sort.

Choose a Sorting button:

 to sort in ascending order.

 to sort in descending order.

Fields within the selected column are sorted in ascending or descending order.

Use the Tools | Sorting menu command to refine the sorting order or to construct a more sophisticated sort order.

To sort data using the menu command:

1.	Choose Tools | Sorting.

—or—

Choose the Sorting option in the Report Query dialog box. The Report Query - Sorting dialog box appears.

2.	Select a field from the Report Fields list box, then choose Insert Into Sort List. The selected field appears in the Sort List box, and an asterisk appears beside sorted fields in the Report fields list box.

3.	For each field in the sort list, choose Ascending or Descending as the sort order within that field.

Note	The Ascending or Descending options apply only to records within this data field (table column). The listed order in the sort list is the order in which data fields (table columns) themselves will be sorted. Thus, in , employee last names will be sorted in ascending order (Allessandrini, Jones, Robinson, Williams, and so on). Within identical last names, employee first names will be sorted in ascending order, and so on (Allessandrini, Giovanna followed by Allessandrini, Pavel followed by Allessandrini, Xavier and so on).

4.	Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each field you want to add to the sort list.

5.	When you have finished building the sort list, choose Done.

Note	Remember that, for purposes of data sorting, “report field” refers to all entries within a given table column, not just a single entry in that column.


Grouping report data

  Related Topics

Besides sorting the data in report fields, you can “cluster” data into groups, based on fields you select. For example, you might choose to display data grouped by customer name, or by employee identification number. Like data sorting, data grouping can be arranged in hierarchical and interrelated patterns, to create meaningful and easy-to-read blocks of data within your report.

ReportSmith enables you to group data

after you load it into your report, using Report Grouping

on the server, before loading it into your report, with Database Grouping.

You can use both types of grouping in one report.

Report grouping

Use the Report Grouping command to group data after it has been loaded into your report. There are two ways to do this: using the Header or Footer toolbar buttons, and using the Tools | Report Grouping menu command

Click here for instructions on report grouping.

Database grouping

You can also use ReportSmith’s database grouping feature to “filter” data before loading it into your report. This can often boost performance when dealing with large numbers of records, or when summarizing data. For example, suppose you have a database containing information about 10,000 employees from ten departments and you want a report displaying a sum of salaries in each department. To increase performance, you would use Database Grouping to have ReportSmith evaluate the data on the server and then download just the ten records containing the summary information.

Click here for instructions on database grouping.


To group data on the server (database grouping):

1.	Choose Tools | Database Grouping

—or—

Choose the Database Grouping option in a Report Query dialog box.

The Report Query - Database Grouping dialog box appears.

2.	Choose Group Data Before Loading Into Report.

A list of fields from your report appears in the Database Grouping Order window, and options in the dialog box become enabled. The upper portion of the dialog box defines the fields by which you want to group, generating an SQL Group By clause. The lower portion of the dialog box sets which groups to include in your report and their selection criteria, by generating an SQL Having clause.

3.	Select a field by which to group, and use the ordering buttons to position it in the list. The order in which you place fields in the list is hierarchical, moving from highest to lowest grouping order.

4.	Include or exclude a field from grouping, as appropriate.

Note:	The Exclude Field option is disabled for tables that contain a unique value. This means you must group by every field that contains a unique value per record. Conversely, you can exclude fields that do not contain a unique value per row, such as calculated fields.

Use the Tables - Columns dialog box to explicitly exclude from the report any database field you do not want to use in a database grouping,

5.	To select groups to include in your report, insert a sentence into the selection criteria in the lower portion of the dialog box and choose an operator:

6.	Choose Test before loading data into your report, to find and eliminate any errors in your query before ReportSmith executes the underlying SQL.

7.	Choose Done when you have finished database grouping.

Note:	When using the Delphi Data Connection to create new reports, use the TQuery component of Delphi (rather than ReportSmith) to specify database grouping.


To use the toolbar to group data:

1.	Select a column on your report, to use as a grouping basis.

2.	Click the Header [image] or Footer [image] button to sort the data based on the selected field and to insert a header or footer in each group.

To use the Tools | Report Grouping menu command to group data:

1.	Choose Tools | Report Grouping. The Define Groups dialog box appears.

2.	Select a field type from the upper left list box.

The type of field you select populates the list below it with field names associated with the data type. (The contents of this list depend on the types of fields contained in your report.)

3.	Select a field, then choose New Group to place it into the Defined Groups list.

4.	Repeat step 3 for each field by which you want to group.

5.	Choose Group Properties. The Group Properties dialog box appears.

6.	Use the features of this dialog box to set the appropriate group properties.

7.	Choose OK to set the properties for the defined group and return to the Define Groups dialog box.

8.	Choose Done to complete group definition.

ReportSmith now groups the report data according to the parameters you have set in the Define Groups and Group Properties dialog boxes.

Note	When using the Report Grouping menu command as your grouping method, sort the data before grouping it, to avoid redundant entries.


Inserting headers/footers

  Related Topics

A page or report header typically contains information relevant to the report as a whole, or to the particular page being viewed. For example, the report header might contain the report title, the date of creation, and the author’s name. The page header might contain the page number and a bitmap.

Group headers present information about the particular data group being viewed—for example, the group name and a brief description of the data contained in the group.

Group footers might contain totals or other similar information.

The page or report footer will probably contain information relevant to the report as a whole or to the particular page being viewed.

When using report grouping, you can choose to create groups based on a selected field and insert a header or footer in each occurrence of that group. ReportSmith offers you two methods for placing headers or footers into your report:

Header and Footer toolbar buttons

The Insert | Headers/Footers menu command

Note:	When you use the Header or Footer toolbar buttons, ReportSmith sorts and groups the data based on the field you select, and places a header or footer into each group. To insert a header or footer for data already sorted and grouped, use the Insert | Headers/ Footers menu command.

Click here for instructions on inserting header or footers.


To sort and group data with the Header and Footer buttons:

1.	Select the column in your report by whose data you want to group.

2.	Choose the Header [image] or Footer [image] button on the toolbar.

ReportSmith sorts and groups the data, based on the field you selected, and inserts a labeled header or footer.

To group data using Insert | Headers/Footers:

1.	Select a column in your report by whose data you want to group.

2.	Choose Insert | Headers/Footers. The Header/Footer dialog box appears.

3.	Choose a Group Name, then check a Group Type option.

4.	Repeat step 3 for each group you want to create.

5.	Choose OK to close the dialog box and see the results of grouping on your report.


What are crosstabs?

  Related Topics

A crosstab report displays fields from one or more database tables in a spreadsheet format. The values in a crosstab are calculated using functions such as a sum, average, maximum, minimum, or count.

Crosstabs can consist of any number of rows, columns, and values, as in the example below, but can be inserted only into the header or footer of a report.

Types of crosstabs

You can create numerous types of crosstabs, combining multiple rows, multiple columns, and multiple values. Some common variations are:

Value-only

Single-row/single-column

Single-row and single-column combination

Multi-column/multi-row


Value-only

The Value-only crosstab consists of only two cells: the value field label and the grand total value.

This report creates a summary total for one data field (by row or by column). The data set can be an entire report if you place the crosstab in a global header or footer (that is, a page or report) or it can be a section of the data if you place it in a group header or footer. You can make this type of crosstab by specifying only one data field as a value in the crosstab.


Single-row/single-column

A single-row or single-column crosstab is based on a single report row or column and a value. For example, the crosstab shown below is based on the single column of DATE and a value of QUANTITY.

Likewise, the crosstab shown below illustrates one possibility for using a single row (EMP_LNAME) and a value of QUANTITY.

Note:	While it is entirely possible to create single-row or single-column crosstabs with no values, you will probably find these combinations of little worth, as they will produce points of reference (such as quarterly dates or salesperson names) with no data.


Single-row and single-column combination

The single-row and single-column combination crosstab provides another level of detail. It includes a row, a column, and a value. Each summary value is a total based on the row as a subset of the column.

In the example above, CSTMR_NAME is the column and EMP_LNAME is the row. The values within the crosstab are salesperson Blake’s total sales for each customer (video store), and salesperson Keats’s total sales for each customer (video store). There are also column grand totals (sales per video store customer) and row grand totals (sales per salesperson) and a report grand total that combines the column and row grand totals (total sales).


Multi-column/Multi-row

The Multi-column crosstab provides an extra level of information within a column. It consists of two or more columns and values.

The secondary column you select is a subset of the primary, or first, column you select. A tertiary column becomes a subset of the secondary column, and so on, Therefore, the value of each field within a subsidiary column is calculated based on the value of each field within the “owner” column. These can be likened to grouping levels in a columnar report.

In the example above, DATE is the primary column, appearing as “Quarter 1” in the report (there are, of course, additional quarters not shown in this example). VENDOR_ID is the secondary column, appearing in this example as “V1, V2...” and so on. The tertiary column is CATEGORY, shown here within each vendor identification number, which is in turn shown within each quarter. Finally, a single row was specified, using the EMP_LNAME field. The grand total row adds the column totals to come up with total sales for each product category.

Multi-row crosstabs work in exactly the same way, except that you are now working with nested levels of rows, rather than columns. Of course, you can also combine multiple levels of both rows and columns, depending on the level of detail you want to show in your report.

Note:	While it is entirely possible to create multi-row or multi-column crosstabs using only multiple rows (with no columns or values) or only multiple columns (with no rows or values), you will probably find these combinations of little worth, as they will produce either points of reference (such as quarterly dates) with no data, or vice versa.


Creating a new crosstab report

  Related Topics

Creating a new crosstab report begins the same way as beginning any other type of report: specify the report type (in this case, the crosstab type) and style, after which you need to specify database tables and fields and then define the crosstab.

Click here for instructions on creating a new crosstab report.


To create a new crosstab report:

1.	Choose File | New or click the New Report toolbar button, then select Crosstab as the report type and specify an appropriate style.

2.	Choose OK to begin specifying tables and fields for the crosstab report.

3.	Add appropriate tables and fields to your report query, remembering to create links for the tables in your report query.

4.	Choose Done. The Crosstab Report dialog box appears.

5.	Use the Crosstab Report dialog box to specify row, column, value, and crosstab options as appropriate, then choose OK. The crosstab appears in the specified header or footer of your report (that header will represent the report itself, if you are creating a new crosstab report).

ReportSmith displays a drop cursor when the mouse pointer is over a header or footer, letting you know you may place the crosstab here. If the mouse pointer is over an area that cannot accept a crosstab, the cursor changes to the international symbol for “No.”

You can choose to hide the columnar report, displaying only the crosstab. Use the Section dialog box to set this option.


Basing a crosstab on a columnar report

  Related Topics

Use this method if you already have a columnar report on which you’d like to base the crosstab, and to predefine specifications such as sorting, value hierarchy, and field labels in the Crosstab Report dialog box.

Click here for instructions on creating a crosstab based on an existing columnar report.


To create a crosstab from an existing columnar report:

1.	Open a columnar report with a header or footer (this can be group header/footer, a page header/footer, or a report header/footer).

2.	If necessary, choose View | Boundaries. (By default, ReportSmith displays report area boundaries, showing you where you may place the crosstab, once it has been created. If you share your ReportSmith installation with other users, you might need to turn on boundaries.)

3.	Choose Insert | Crosstab. The Crosstab Report dialog box appears, with the fields of the columnar report listed in the Name list box.

4.	Use the Crosstab Report dialog box to specify row, column, value, and crosstab options as appropriate, then choose OK. The crosstab appears in the specified header or footer of your report.

ReportSmith displays a drop cursor when the mouse pointer is over a header or footer, letting you know you may place the crosstab here. If the mouse pointer is over an area that cannot accept a crosstab, the cursor changes to the international symbol for “No.”

You can choose to hide the columnar report, displaying only the crosstab. Use the Section dialog box to set this option.


Creating a crosstab from selected columns
Creating a crosstab from selected columns (visual method)

  Related Topics

When using this method, you can select up to three columns to form the basis of a crosstab. The first column you select in the columnar report becomes the crosstab row. The second column selected in the columnar report becomes the crosstab column, and the third selection becomes the crosstab value.

Note:	Selecting only two columns from a columnar report creates a single-row crosstab. Selecting only one column creates a Value-only crosstab. To use more than three values for your crosstab, you must specify the rows, columns, and values for the crosstab, using the Crosstab Report dialog box.

 Click here for instructions on creating a crosstab by selecting columns.


To create a crosstab using the visual method:

1.	With a columnar report open and active, choose View | Boundaries if they are not already displayed. (By default, ReportSmith displays report area boundaries, showing you where you may place the crosstab, once it has been created. If you share your ReportSmith installation with other users, you might need to turn on boundaries.)

2.	Ctrl-click a column to become the crosstab row, then repeat this step to create the crosstab column and value.

3.	Choose Insert | Crosstab.

ReportSmith displays a drop cursor when the mouse pointer is over a header or footer, letting you know you may place the crosstab here. If the mouse pointer is over an area that cannot accept a crosstab, the cursor changes to the international symbol for “No.”

You can choose to hide the columnar report, displaying only the crosstab. Use the Section dialog box to set this option.


Placing a crosstab

  Related Topics

When you generate a new crosstab report, you can place it anywhere on the report page. When you generate a crosstab from an existing columnar report, you can place a crosstab only into a header or footer.

The type of header or footer into which you place a crosstab controls what values are used in the calculations and how often the crosstab appears in your report. If you drop the crosstab into a global region such as a report header or footer, it calculates values based on all data in the columnar report and it appears in every report header or footer. If you place it in a group header or footer, it calculates values based only on the data in each group and places it only into that group header or footer.

Click here for instructions on placing a crosstab.


To place a crosstab:

Move the mouse over a header or footer in your report, then click to place the crosstab.

Tip:	If you see the no-drop cursor (the international “No” symbol of a circle with a diagonal slash), you are in an invalid placement zone. Move the cursor into a header or footer, until you see a drop cursor.

To reposition a crosstab:

Select the crosstab and drag and drop it to a new location.


Using styles to format crosstabs

  Related Topics

Use the Crosstab Styles dialog box to apply a system or custom style to your crosstab report. Choose Styles in the Crosstab Report dialog box to view the Crosstab Styles dialog box, or right-click an area of your crosstab report to view the pop-up crosstab menu, then choose Styles.


Selecting and resizing crosstab elements

You can select several different items in crosstabs, at various levels from individual fields to the entire crosstab.

To select an entire crosstab, double-click the crosstab when the pointer is over the crosstab border.

Tip:	You can tell when the mouse pointer is over the crosstab border because the cursor becomes a “pointing finger” symbol.

To select rows, columns or values, click in the row, column, or value you want to select. (For values, this selects all other similar values), then Ctrl-click to select additional items.

To select all fields in a crosstab, select the crosstab itself, then right-click it and choose Select All from the pop-up menu.


Grouping crosstab data

  Related Topics

ReportSmith groups all crosstab values by same value, except for dates, which by default are grouped quarterly.

To group by dates, choose a date field (in one of the areas [row, column, or value] in the Crosstab Report dialog box), then choose the Options button that corresponds to it. The appropriate options dialog box appears, and you can set options for grouping by date.


Calculating crosstab values

  Related Topics

You can calculate values in a crosstab based on other crosstab values. You can create SQL-derived fields in the Derived Fields dialog box, and they appear in the crosstab as regular data fields. However, to include a macro-derived field in your crosstab, you must define it in the Crosstab dialog box, using the Calculated Fields field type.

Note:	You can calculate only values in a crosstab, not rows or columns.

Click here for instructions on creating calculated fields.


To create a calculated field:

Important:	To create a calculated value, your crosstab must include a date value.

1.	Open or create a crosstab.

2.	Select the crosstab, then right-click it to view the pop-up menu, and choose Modify. The Crosstab Report dialog box appears.

3.	Choose Calculated Fields from the Type dropdown list.

4.	Drag and drop the <New> symbol from the Name box into the Values list box. The Calculated Field dialog box appears.

5.	Use the features of the Calculated Field dialog box to build a formula for the calculated field, then choose OK to return to the Crosstab Report dialog box.

6.	In the Name text box, enter a name for your calculated field.

7.	When you have finished creating and defining the crosstab, choose OK.


Inverting crosstab rows and columns

  Related Topics

You can choose to invert, or “swap,” rows and columns in your crosstab --- columns now become rows, and vice versa.

To invert rows and columns, select a crosstab, right-click it, then choose Invert.


Converting crosstab data to a graph

  Related Topics

The technique for graphing a crosstab is slightly different from that used to create a graph of a columnar report, because you need not define the data series within the crosstab. (In contrast, you must explicitly specify the data series to be used, when graphing a columnar report.)

Regardless of whether you are graphing a crosstab or columnar report, ReportSmith utilizes the charting and graphing capabilities of Microsoft Graph to instantly transform report data into graphs. You can create any type of graph, including pie charts, line graphs, area graphs, column graphs, and combination graphs that you can format to suit your needs.

Important:	You must have Microsoft Graph installed on your computer system to graph ReportSmith report
data. If you have installed Microsoft Word or Excel (or Microsoft Office), you will probably have
Graph installed on your computer system, as it can be run only from within another application.

Click here for instructions on graphing crosstab data.


To graph a crosstab:

1.	Select the crosstab.

2.	Click the Graph ribbon button. The Graph cursor appears.

3.	Move the graph cursor to a header or footer, then click to create and place the graph.

—or—

4.	To cancel graph creation, click anywhere except a header or footer, or press Esc.


Setting crosstab row options

  Related Topics

You can specify various options – including display arrangements and field labels – for crosstab rows, apart from any other crosstab element or the crosstab itself.

Click here for instructions on setting crosstab row options.


To set crosstab row options:

1.	Select the crosstab, then right-click and choose Modify from the pop-up menu.

2.	In the Rows list box, select a row name, then choose Options. The Crosstab Row Options dialog box appears.

3.	Use the Crosstab Row Options dialog box to set options as appropriate, then choose Done to return to the Crosstab Report dialog box.


Setting crosstab column options

  Related Topics

You can specify various options – including display arrangements and field labels – for crosstab columns, apart from any other crosstab element or the crosstab itself.

Click here for instructions on setting crosstab column options.


To set crosstab column options:

1.	Select the crosstab, then right-click and choose Modify from the pop-up menu.

2.	In the Columns list box, select a column name, then choose Options. The Crosstab Column Options dialog box appears.

3.	Use the Crosstab Column Options dialog box to set options as appropriate, then choose Done to return to the Crosstab Report dialog box.


Setting crosstab value options

  Related Topics

You can specify various options – including display arrangements and field labels – for crosstab values, apart from any other crosstab element or the crosstab itself.

Click here for instructions on setting crosstab value options.


To set crosstab value options:

1.	Select the crosstab, then right-click and choose Modify from the pop-up menu.

2.	In the Values list box, select a value name, then choose Options. The Crosstab Value Options dialog box appears.

3.	Use the Crosstab Value Options dialog box to set options as appropriate, then choose Done to return to the Crosstab Report dialog box.


Setting entire crosstab options

  Related Topics

In addition to specifying display arrangement, labeling, and formatting options for individual crosstab elements (rows, columns, or values), you can also specify options affecting the crosstab as a whole.

Click here for instructions on setting crosstab options.


To set options for the entire crosstab:

1.	Select the crosstab, then right-click and choose Modify from the pop-up menu.

2.	Choose the Options button directly below the list of available fields. The Crosstab Report Options dialog box appears.

3.	Use the Crosstab Report Options dialog box to set options as appropriate, then choose OK to return to the Crosstab Report dialog box.


Using the Crosstab Toolbox

  Related Topics

Many of the most frequently used crosstab command and techniques can be accessed quickly and easily through the Crosstab Toolbox, represented by the graphic below. You can view the Crosstab Toolbox at any time by choosing Tools | Crosstab — in fact, you need not even have a crosstab report open; you can use the Crosstab Toolbox to create and insert a new crosstab.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Modify or create crosstab

Click this button to display the Crosstab Report dialog box, where you can modify an existing crosstab or create and insert a new crosstab.


Apply crosstab style

Click this button to display the Crosstab Styles dialog box, where you can apply system (supplied by ReportSmith) or custom styles to your crosstab.


Border crosstab

Click this button to display the Border dialog box, where you can apply various bordering styles and combinations to the selected crosstab.


Select all crosstab cells

Click this button to immediately select all crosstab cells, including row and column labels.


Graph the crosstab

Click this button to create a graph of the selected crosstab.


Invert crosstab rows and columns

Click this button to invert or “swap” crosstab rows and columns, so that rows now become columns and vice versa.


Delete crosstab

Deletes the selected crosstab from the active report. You will need to recreate and reinsert the crosstab to use it again.


Selecting, moving, and resizing report elements

  Related Topics

A ReportSmith report is made up of several objects, including columns, rows, their labels, and the data contained within them. You can select and manipulate any ReportSmith object, and you can also resize most items in a report.

Click here for instructions on resizing ReportSmith objects.

Click here for instructions on moving ReportSmith objects.


Resizing report elements

ReportSmith makes it easy for you to resize objects such as columns, fields and sections in your report quickly.

To resize individual report elements:

To resize objects in your report, click to select the object, then drag its surrounding sizing handles to increase or decrease the size of the object.

To adjust column width using the Column Width dialog box,

1.	Right-click the column to be adjusted, then choose Column Width

—or—

Choose Format | Column Width.

2.	Set or enter a specific column width

—or—

Choose Use Default Width to have ReportSmith reset to default widths

—or—

Choose Best Fit to have each column width automatically resize to fit contents.

Resizing text

While the element containing text (a header/footer, label, field, or other element) can generally be selected and resized using the methods discussed above, you cannot directly resize text. Instead, use formatting commands to increase the point size of the text.

To select the body of a report:

1.	Double-click in the body you want to select.

2.	Single-clicking will select only one of the report elements making up the report body.

To resize crosstab elements

In addition to the general resizing techniques discussed here, a crosstab report offers the option of uniformly resizing all rows or all columns by dragging a single handle at the bottom (for resizing all rows) or right side (for resizing all columns) of the crosstab.

To resize a header or footer in a label report:

Label reports require a slightly different technique, because in a label report, headers and footers appear the same size as your label, unless you specify otherwise. To resize the header or footer, then, you must first break the association between the header/ footer size and the label size.

1.	Select the header or footer you want to resize.

2.	Right-click the mouse to see a pop-up menu.

3.	Choose Detach Label. ReportSmith “detaches” the size of the selected section from the size of the labels. Now you can use the sizing handles to resize the selected section.

Note:	Only the page header and footer can be detached from the set of labels and independently resized or moved.


Moving report objects

Moving report objects is as easy as resizing them, but depends on the mode of the report:

Column Editing mode is available only for columnar reports, and allows you to move entire columns, including all individual fields within each column. Use this mode to rearrange the horizontal order of report columns.

Field Editing mode allows you to freely move the individual fields within your report. You can move fields into headers or footers, or into other rows or columns, but you cannot rearrange the order of entire columns in this mode.

Note:	Only columnar reports can take either mode. Form reports are always in Field Editing mode, as are label reports, and crosstabs do not respond to Field Editing mode.

To move a report column:

1.	Click the Column Editing mode button on the toolbar.

2.	Click the column.

—or—

Click above and to the left of a contiguous block of columns, then drag to enclose the columns.

—or—

Ctrl-click each column of a non-contiguous block of columns.

4.	Move the select column(s) and label(s), as appropriate.

5.	To cancel the move while dragging a column, right-click the mouse. The column returns to its original position.

Columns can move closer together as selected columns are removed and other columns shift to accommodate the selected columns. If you delete a column in Column Editing mode, ReportSmith repositions the remaining columns, moving them closer together and filling in the blank space.

To move report rows;

Each row represents the set of values—one from each column—that, taken together, constitute a record or set of information. While you can select, resize, and format rows, they cannot be moved within the report. The individual fields within a row can be moved in Field Editing mode, but the row headers will remain as they were. Changes you apply to any selected row apply to all of the rows in your report.

To move report fields:

Use Field Editing mode to move individual fields—the data within columns—freely around the report page, both horizontally and vertically. Field Editing mode also enables you to place fields on labels and forms and into headers and footers.

Note:	Field Editing mode does not reorder column positions. Use Column Editing mode to rearrange columns.

To move text:

To select and move text, click the element (header/footer, label, field, or the like) containing the text to select, then move that element, as discussed above.

Depending on where you have moved the text, it may or may not any longer be appropriate to its location, and you might find you need to edit the text.

To edit text:

1.	Click to select the element containing text, then click within that element. The Insertion Point cursor appears to the left of the text, indicating that you are in Text Mode. You can now revise the selected text.

2.	When you have edited the text field, click outside of the text element to accept your changes.


Aligning report elements

  Related Topics

You can align objects or fields according to how they are positioned with regard to each other or with the baseline. Use the Align toolbox to ensure equidistant spacing between fields and columns; to align items to the right, left, center, top or bottom; to add or remove spacing above, below and between items; to stack items; or to align items in a row.

The Align functions behave differently according to whether you’re in Form or Column Editing mode. When you align fields and/or columns (either to each other or to some other specification), use Field Editing mode.

In Column Editing mode, the alignment tool buttons have no effect on columns within the detail section of your report. Selected columns act as anchors around which fields from other sections can be aligned. This is especially useful for aligning summary fields from headers or footers with the summary columns in detail sections. In Column Editing mode, columns remain stationary and align relative to the right- or left-most column border.

To open the Align toolbox, choose Tools | Alignment. Drag the Align toolbox title bar to move it into a position that will allow you to see the alignment of your report elements.


Aligning text within report elements

  Related Topics

Aligning text refers to the placement of each field value within the space allotted for the field on the report. ReportSmith enables you to align text with the Text Alignment dialog box, or shortcut buttons found on the ReportSmith ribbon.

Click here for instructions on aligning text.


To align text using the Text Alignment dialog box:

1.	Select the text you want to align and right-click. (This can be field values or user-specified text.)

2.	Choose Text Alignment from the pop-up menu. The Text Alignment dialog box appears.

3.	Select a text alignment, then choose OK.

Note:	You cannot justify text to fill the entire width of a field or other report element.

To align text using the text alignment ribbon buttons:

1.	Select the column(s) in which you want to align text.

2.	Click the appropriate alignment button on the ribbon:

Tip:	Place the mouse cursor over each alignment button and look in the status bar to quickly check the alignment operation each button performs.


Using the alignment grid

  Related Topics

ReportSmith provides a grid that guides the placement of data and text fields. The grid is a series of dots, representing row and column coordinates, that you can use as a visual reference when placing objects.

To view the grid, choose View | Grid, then use the Grid Attributes dialog box to set the height and width of each grid “square,” and whether report elements should be aligned to the nearest grid coordinate.

Use the Snap to Grid feature to place fields and text at these coordinates. The grid is invisible until you choose View | Grid and set grid attributes.

Tip:	If you are using ReportSmith’s “Snap to Grid” feature but report elements (including fields) do not appear to be staying with coordinate boundaries, choose Tools | Options to check the granularity settings. The grid size must be an even multiple of the granularity


Formatting fields

  Related Topics

You can format the fields making up columns apart from formatting the text within those fields. The field format you set for any one field of a column will be applied to all fields of that column.

Click here for instructions on formatting fields.


To format a field:

1.	Select the field(s) you want to format.

2.	Choose Format | Field. The Format Field dialog box appears.

3.	Select a numeric category (if applicable) and, within that category, select a specific format for the column. You can also create a custom format by directly entering it into the format entry box.

4.	Choose OK.

Note:	Remember that these attributes apply to all fields within the selected column.


Formatting field text

  Related Topics

Besides formatting report fields themselves, you can also format the text within those report fields, specifying such options as the font, color, point size, and whether the text should be bold, italic, underlined, or some combination of the three.

Note:	Remember that formatting applied to one field of a column will also be applied to all fields of that column.

Click here for instructions on formatting field text.


To format field text using menu commands:

1.	Select the field(s) whose text you want to format. (Remember that this formatting will be applied to all fields of this column.)

2.	Choose Format | Font. The Windows Font common dialog box appears, where you can set text font, size, color, and style.

3.	When you have formatted the text to your liking, choose OK to close the Font dialog box and return to ReportSmith.

To format text using the pop-up menu:

1.	Select the field(s) whose text you want to format. (Remember that this formatting will be applied to all fields of this column.)

2.	Right-click the selected field, then choose Font. The Windows Font common dialog box appears, where you can set text font, size, color, and style.

3.	When you have formatted the text to your liking, choose OK to close the Font dialog box and return to ReportSmith.

To format text using the ribbon:

1.	Select the field(s) whose text you want to format. (Remember that this formatting will be applied to all fields of this column.)

2.	Use the buttons on the ReportSmith ribbon to format the text to your liking. (You cannot specify detailed options such as text color or strikeout from the ribbon.)


Formatting field labels

  Related Topics

You can format the characters in a field label separately from the characters in fields in a column. For example, you can make field label characters bold or increase the size for emphasis. As with other character formatting, you can use either a menu command or the ReportSmith ribbon.

Click here for instructions on formatting field labels.


To format a field label with the Format | Font menu command:

1.	Select the field label(s) you want to format.

2.	Choose Format | Font.

—or—

Right-click any of the selected fields, then choose Font. The Windows Font common dialog box appears.

3.	Select the formatting options you want, then choose OK.

To format a field label with the ribbon:

1.	Select the field label(s) you want to format.

2.	Select the font, point size, and alignment for the characters.

Note:	For more detailed formatting options, such as strikeout, underline, or small caps, use the Format | Font menu command.


Adding borders and shading

  Related Topics

When you’re formatting a report you can add a border to any report element (or the report itself), for style or emphasis.

Click here for instructions on adding borders and shading to report elements or to the report itself.


To add a border and/or shading to an item:

1.	Select the item you want to border.

2.	Choose Format | Border

—or —

Right-click the item, then choose Border from the pop-up menu. The Borders dialog box appears.

3.	Set appropriate border and shading options, then choose OK.


Customizing field formats

  Related Topics

ReportSmith supplies a variety of common field format codes from which you can select for both dates and numbers, but you can also create your own customized formats.

To create a custom format, enter the format in the Format box of the Format Fields dialog box, using the following structural guidelines:

[positive format];[negative format];[zero value format]

Note:	Separate formats with semicolons.

The first number format you type represents the format of any positive numbers; the second represents the format of negative numbers. The final format represents what you want to appear on your report if the data value is zero. You can choose to display zeros, leave the fields blank, or print a message such as “No Data Available,” among other options.

Suppose you want to display positive numbers in the default text color, and negative numbers in red. This combination is available in a standard format, but instead of showing fields with zero values, you want to display “No Data Available.” To do this, you’d type the following formula into the Format box:

(#,##0_);[Red](#,##0);"No Data Available"

A field value of 1234 will then show up as 1,234, while a value of -5,678 will show up as (5,678). A value of 0 shows up as "No Data Available".

Note:	The preceding examples also show use of the “wildcard” characters available in ReportSmith and its macro language, ReportBasic. In these examples, the “_” (underscore) character is used to represent any single, valid alphanumeric character—this is roughly equivalent to using the “?” character in DOS commands. When you are not sure of either the specific characters or how many of them there will be, use the “%” (percent) character instead—this is roughly equivalent to using the “*” character in DOS commands.

You can modify ReportSmith’s system codes to create your own formats. Save time by placing one of ReportSmith’s format codes into the Format box, then type your modifications.

Leaving null values blank

If you want to leave zero values blank in your report, type quotes in the zero value format position. For example, if you modify the formula shown above so it leaves zero values blank, the formula looks like this:

###.##;(Red)###.##;""

You can create your own custom date formats, too, by modifying the format codes for date/time categories, using the following guidelines:

“d” suppresses leading zeros in a day numbered less than ten. The 7th day of the month would be shown as “7”. “dd” produces a leading zero for numbers less than 10; the 7th day of the month then becomes “07.”

“m” suppresses leading zeros in a month numbered less than ten. The July would be shown as “7”. “mm” produces a leading zero for numbers less than 10; July then becomes “07.” “mmm” shows the month as a three-letter abbreviation (“Jul” for “July,” for example), and “mmmm” spells the month name in full.

“y” or “yy” shows only the last two digits of the year; “yyy” shows all four digits of the year.


Inserting fields

  Related Topics

You can place report fields into your report by using the Insert | Field menu command. Fields can be from any of the following field categories, and can be inserted in any order, to create a report best suited to your needs.

Data fields display the data ReportSmith has extracted from the original data sources. These fields typically make up the body of your report.

Derived fields include fields you have created by using SQL or ReportSmith macros to combine data fields in some way.

Summary fields are calculated from existing data fields, and are typically used to report totals, percentages, or some other mathematical relation of the data fields to which they pertain.

Report variables create dialog boxes that prompt the report user for information used to filter data and narrow the data search.

System fields are fields supplied by ReportSmith to include today’s date, the current time, both date and time, page numbers, text fields, and the report name. System fields often are combined to make up a report header or footer.


Inserting field labels

  Related Topics

You can customize your reports by controlling the recurrence and placement of field labels. While ReportSmith does automatically place field labels above columns at the top of each report page, it does not automatically add labels after grouped data, unless you tell it to.

Click here for instructions on inserting field labels.


To insert field labels before or after grouped data:

1.	Choose Insert | Field Labels. The Insert Field Labels dialog box appears.

2.	Check the Group Header/Footer check box. The field labels appear after every set of group headers and footers.

Note:	This setting is independent of the setting for new pages. With both check boxes checked, field labels will appear on each new page and after each group header or footer.


Creating report variables

  Related Topics

Using report variables, you can customize a report to obtain different results that depend on user-entered data. A report variable displays a dialog box that prompts for specific information. Values entered into or selected from the dialog box apply to the report.

Click here for instructions on creating a report variable.


To create a report variable:

1.	Choose Tools | Report Variables to open the Report Variables dialog box.

2.	Type a name in the Name Box. Names must begin with a letter and contain only letters, numbers, and underscores.

3.	Choose one of the following data types from the Type list:

Data Type	Report Variable Response
String	Accepts any characters in a user's response, or allows users to pick from a list of values.
Number	Accepts numbers in the user's response.
Date	Requires users to enter the date.
Time	Requires users to enter the time.
Date/Time	Requires users to enter a date and/or time.
4.	Use the features of the Report Query - Report Variables dialog box to set the features of your report variable as you want, then choose another Report Query dialog-box option, or choose Done to close this dialog box and put your choices into effect.

To delete a report variable:

.In the Report Query - Report Variables dialog box, select a report variable and press Delete. ReportSmith deletes the variable from the report, removing it from the Report Variables list. It no longer appears when you run the report.

Tip:	Before you delete a report variable, make sure it is not used anywhere else in your report. If it is, delete it from those areas.

To modify a report variable:

{onestep.bmp}Select a report variable in the Report Variables dialog box and modify the settings according to your needs, then save your changes.

To change the value of a report variable, do one of the following:

Select the report variable whose value you want to change from the Report Variables list box, then choose Value. Modify the value settings, and save your changes.

Double-click the report variable name in the Report Variables list box to view the associated dialog box and type in the new value. After you make your selections the Report Variables dialog box reappears. Check it against your selections and choose OK.

To clear the value of a report variable:

Select the report variable whose value you want to clear from the Report Variables list box and press the Clear button. ReportSmith erases the value.

Important:	If you use a report variable in selection or derived-fields formulas, you must type the report variable name exactly as it was entered when created, distinguishing between uppercase and lowercase letters.


Inserting report variables

  Related Topics

You can choose to insert a report variable at any point during the creation, modification, or viewing of your report.

 Click here for instructions on inserting report variables.


To insert a report variable into your report:

1.	Choose Insert | Field.

2.	Select Report Variables. A list of Report Variables that you have created appears.

Note:	If you haven't created any report variables the list appears blank.

3.	Select a report variable and choose Insert. Position the Object cursor where you want the report variable to appear on your report and click. The report variable appears on your report.

4.	Choose Done to close the Insert Database Field dialog box.


Getting around ReportSmith

  Related Topic

ReportSmith is friendly and intuitive, with several "shortcuts" to help you do your work faster. Use the graphic below, representing the ReportSmith window, to help find your way around ReportSmith 3.0.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Title bar

The title bar shows the ReportSmith icon at the far left, followed by the name of the application. If you have maximized a report window, the title bar will also show the name and location of the active report.


Minimize

Minimizes ReportSmith (and all open reports within it) to an icon, placing it on the Taskbar.


Maximize/Restore

Enlarges ReportSmith to fill the entire screen. When ReportSmith is already maximized, this button restores it to its previous working size (but will not minimize it).


Minimize report window

Minimizes the active report to an icon within ReportSmith.


Maximize report window

Enlarges the active report to fill all available space within ReportSmith. When you maximize a report window, the name and location of the report are displayed in the application title bar.


Menu bar

All ReportSmith menu commands are available through the ReportSmith menu bar. In addition, some report elements also feature "pop-up" menus, which you can access by right-clicking the mouse or pointing device.


Toolbar and Ribbon

The ReportSmith Toolbar and Ribbon provide "single-click" shortcuts to many frequently used menu commands. Additionally, some buttons found here have no direct menu equivalents.


Rulers

The ReportSmith rulers provide a handy way to gauge the size of your report page as it will be printed. You can choose to display inches or centimeters, or you can turn off the ruler display.


Report page

This is where you'll actually see your report, either in draft mode (with a minimum of formatting  and no graphic images displayed, to speed editing and modification) or in presentation mode (with all formatting displayed as it will print).


Vertical scroll bar

Use the vertical scroll bar to move your view of this report page up or down. The size of the scroll box corresponds to the approximate (vertical) percentage of the page displayed.


Horizontal scroll bar

Use the horizontal scroll bar to move your view of this report page left or right. The size of the scroll box corresponds to the approximate (horizontal) percentage of the page displayed.


First report page

Returns the display to the first page of a multi-page report.


Back one page

Changes the display to the previous page of a multi-page report.


Current page

Shows which page of a multi-page report is currently displayed.


Forward one page

Changes the display to the next page of a multi-page report.


Last page

Changes the display to the last page of a multi-page report.


Status bar

Provides information about the action ReportSmith is currently performing (such as loading a report), as well as the percentage of that task completed. When a report is loaded, the status bar indicates mouse-pointer coordinates, the page count of a multi-page report, and the total number of records in the report.


Entering, aligning, and formatting text

  Related Topics

You can customize a report by entering, editing, and formatting text in any location within a report or report element. When placing text within a section—a row or page header or footer, for example—it appears in each section of the same type. For example, if you place text in a row, it repeats in every row.

Click here for instructions on entering or editing text.

 Click here for instructions on aligning text.

 Click here for instructions on formatting text.


To enter text in a report:

1.	Click the Text button on the ribbon.

2.	Click where you want to place the text in your report. A blinking text cursor appears.

3.	Type the text, then click anywhere on your screen when you’ve finished typing.

To edit text:

1.	Click the text to select it. A box with sizing handles surrounds the text.

2.	Click again within the text box and modify text as appropriate.

3.	Click outside the text box when you’ve finished editing.


To align text in a report:

1.	Click the text to select the text box.

2.	Click the Left, Center, or Right buttons on the ribbon.

3.	Click outside the text box when you’ve finished aligning the text.


To format text in a report:

1.	Click the text to select the text box.

2.	Use formatting options of the ribbon to format the text.

—or—

Choose Format | Font to apply advanced formatting such as strikeout or font color.

3.	Click outside the text box when you've finished formatting the text.


Setting report pagination, paper size,: and orientation
Setting report pagination, paper size, and margins

  Related Topics

When you create a report with the New command, ReportSmith sets up a default report page setup. However, if you have extensively moved or resized report elements, you might find that the page setup no longer suits your report needs. Use ReportSmith’s page layout capabilities to create a layout tailored to your report.

Page Setup settings you apply to a report style also apply to each new report based on that style. These settings can also be modified and applied to your active report. You can set margins and other attributes at any time for any report. You can also add a background to your report page layout.

 Click here for instructions on changing Page Setup options.


To specify or modify a page setup (page size/orientation and margins)for your report:

1.	Choose File | Page Setup. The Page Setup dialog box appears.

2.	Specify page size, orientation, and margins as desired, then choose OK.

Note:	ReportSmith uses the non-printing areas established for your printer as the default printer margins. These margin settings appear in the Printer Margins dialog box. While you can set margins that fall inside the non-printing areas, parts of your report can be clipped off if you do. To view the print area, choose View|Print Area.

Default measurements

The default measurement unit is inches, but you can change the default measurement unit to centimeters.

To change the default measurement unit:

1.	Choose Tools | Options.The Options dialog box appears.

2.	Select a default measurement unit, then specify the granularity (number of screen pixels to use per default measurement unit), and whether units should be updated during the file open process.

3.	Choose OK.

You can also specify still other measurement units for your report’s page setup.

To use a measurement scale other than the default:

1.	In the Page Setup dialog box, enter the appropriate number for margins and page size, followed by one of the following abbreviations:

cm for centimeters

in for inches

li for lines

pi for picas

pt for points

Note:	If you use a measurement scale other than the default, ReportSmith converts it to the default measurement. For example, if you enter 3 pi in the top margin box and inches is the default unit, ReportSmith converts it to .50 inches.


Using report backgrounds (wallpaper)

  Related Topics

With ReportSmith, you can place picture objects (such as a bitmap of your company logo) in the background of a report to give it a unique look. In the ReportSmith Page Setup dialog box, this option is called wallpaper.

Click here for instructions on using wallpaper in your reports.


To add a background picture (wallpaper):

1.	Choose File | Page Setup.

2.	In the Page Setup dialog box, choose Wallpaper. The Wallpaper dialog box appears.

3.	Select a bitmap image for the wallpaper. The bitmaps must be stored in the ReportSmith directory, or you must enter the full path and file name of the desired file.

4.	Choose an option to position the bitmap in the background of the report.

5.	To print the bitmap with the report, uncheck the Do Not Print check box.

6.	Choose OK.

ReportSmith places the bitmap in the background of the report according to the settings you’ve chosen.

You can also add an image to an exact position on the report page, by visually dragging it to the desired location.

To add a background image and position it exactly:

1.	Choose either Insert | Picture or Insert | Object, then select an image to place on the report page.

2.	Choose OK to place the object on the report page, then drag a sizing handle to resize the graphic, or drag the graphic itself to reposition it.

3.	Drag the body of the report until it’s positioned on top of the background object.

The object now resides in the background of the report.


Displaying data fields as pictures

  Related Topics

Data is not always textual; it often takes the form of pictures, illustrations, or diagrams. For example, you might have an employee table that contains pictures of your employees, or a customer table with simple maps to each customer’s location.

Customarily, file names of the relevant graphics are stored in a column in the table, pointing to the directory paths and names of the graphics files. When you view the table in ReportSmith, these file names appear by default. You can choose to display the graphics to which they refer, however.

Click here for instructions on displaying data fields as pictures.


To display graphical data fields:

1.	Choose Tools | Options. The Options dialog box appears.

2.	In the Picture File Search Path text box, enter the directory path where you have stored the graphics files for the table(s) in your report.

Note:	If the full path name is included for each graphic filename in the table, you need not perform steps 1 and 2 above.

3.	Select the column containing graphics file names, then choose Format | Display As Picture. The Display as Picture dialog box appears.

4.	Select options as appropriate, then choose OK.

ReportSmith now displays the graphics represented by the file names in your report.

Note:	ReportSmith bases row height on the height required for the first graphic in the table. You can adjust all of the rows by resizing the row, then the picture.

All graphics in any one column must be of the same type. That is, a single column cannot contain both *.BMP and *.PCX files, for example.


Using the drawing tools

  Related Topics

ReportSmith’s Drawing Toolbox helps you accurately draw commonly used shapes such as lines, circles, boxes and polygons; you can position items in back or in front of each other. You can type text into your drawings.

To open the Drawing Toolbox, choose Tools | Drawing. The Drawing Toolbox appears.


Graphing report data

  Related Topic

ReportSmith utilizes the charting and graphing capabilities of Microsoft Graph to instantly transform report data into graphs. You can create any type of graph, including pie charts, line graphs, area graphs, column graphs, and combination graphs that you can format to suit your needs.

Note:	You must have Microsoft Graph installed on your computer system to graph ReportSmith report data. If you have installed Microsoft Word or Excel, you will probably have Graph installed on your computer system, as it can be run only from within another application.

ReportSmith offers three ways to create a graph:

Using the Graph ribbon button

Defining a graph “from scratch”

Using the Crosstab pop-up menu

Graph location

The location of a graph within your report controls the data included and how often the graph appears within the report. Graphs can be inserted only into headers or footers, but the specific type of header or footer determines what data is graphed.

If you drop a graph into a global region such as a page header or report footer, this creates a graph using data from the entire report, and the graph will appear in each recurrence of the header or footer.

If you place the graph in a group header or footer, this creates a graph based on the data in only that group, and ReportSmith places the graph only in the group header or footer.

ReportSmith places the upper-left corner of the graph wherever you click within the header or footer, regardless of whether that header/footer is global or group-specific. You can reposition or format the graph as necessary—just as you would with any other report element—after inserting it.

Graphing a columnar report

This method of creating a graph offers the simplest, fastest, and most straightforward means of graph creation. Use this technique with up to three columns of grouped and sorted data in columnar reports, to create columnar graphs focusing on simple visual comparisons of values.

Ordinarily, when graphing a columnar report, each report group becomes one data series (axis) of the resulting graph, and each column becomes the other data series (axis). (By default, Graph places numerical data series as the vertical axis of a column graph, automatically detecting the highest value and creating a scale accordingly.)

Click here for instructions on graphing columnar report data, or click here for instructions on graphing crosstab data.


To graph columnar report data using the visual method:

1.	Select one, two, or three columns of data in a columnar report.

Tip:	A single-column graph will have little practical value, as there is no scale or standard against which to compare the graphed data. The number of columns you select will affect the graph types available to you, as well as the relative effectiveness of each type. For details, see online Help in Microsoft Graph.

2.	Click the Graph ribbon button. The graph cursor appears.

3.	Move the graph cursor to a header or footer, then click to create and place the graph.

—or—

To cancel graph creation, click anywhere except a header or footer, or press Esc.

To use Graph to define a report graph:

1.	Deselect any report elements you might have selected.

2.	Click the Graph ribbon button. The Graph cursor appears.

3.	Click the header or footer where the graph will appear.

Microsoft Graph appears. (Refer to online Help in Graph, or to the relevant documentation in the application that installed Graph, for detailed information on using Graph.)

4.	When you have defined your report graph and data sheet, choose File | Update.

5.	To return to ReportSmith, choose File | Exit and Return to <Report File Name>.

—or—

Click anywhere outside the Graph window.

Moving, resizing, or modifying graphs

Once you have created a graph, you can move it or resize it within the boundaries of the header or footer in which it was placed. You can also use Graph to edit or reformat the graph.

To move a graph, click the graph to select it, then drag it to the desired location within its header or footer.

To resize a graph, click the graph to select it, then drag sizing handles until the graph no longer overlaps the header/footer boundaries. (You might need to resize the header or footer itself, to show the graph at a desired size.)

To edit or modify a graph,

1.	Double-click the graph, then use Microsoft Graph to make modifications. (For detailed information, see online Help in Graph, or the relevant documentation for the application that installed Graph.)

2.	When you have finished modifying your graph, choose File | Update, then choose File | Exit and Return to <Report File Name>.

Note:	Because Microsoft Graph can only be run from within another application, you cannot close a ReportSmith report until you have closed Graph.


Specifying report elements to print or display

  Related Topics

Besides formatting your report for maximum clarity and impact onscreen, you will also want to consider how the report will appear when printed. Some background wallpapers, for example, will appear clear and readable onscreen but become illegibly dark and “muddy” when printed. Similarly, be careful when resizing rows or columns that you do not enlarge them beyond the printable area of the report page. Even your choice of items to display or hide can affect the pagination of your printed report.

When this occurs, you can have ReportSmith automatically repaginate your report, or you can specify exactly where page breaks should occur.

Choosing items to display and print

You can determine data, headers, and footers to display and print in a report. For example, you can create an employee report that groups data by department. You drop a summary field into the department group footers that calculates the sum of salaries for each department. With the Section command on the Format menu, you can hide all data in the report, except for the group footers. ReportSmith then displays only the department group footers with the total salaries for each department.

Click here for instructions on showing or hiding report sections.


To show or hide a report section:

1.	Choose Format | Section. The Section dialog box appears.

2.	From the Apply to Section box, select the section with data you want to hide. (All the headers or footers in your report are listed. The Detail section also appears in the list box.)

3.	Check or uncheck the Hide Section option as appropriate, then choose OK.

Note:	When you hide a report section, the data in that section is simply hidden from view, it isn’t deleted from the report.


Printing a report

  Related Topics

Once you have created and formatted your report for printing, you are ready to specify a printer, set it up, and print the report.

To set up a printer and print your report:

1.	Choose File | Print. The Windows Print common dialog box appears.

2.	Choose Setup, specify a printer, then choose OK to return to the Print dialog box. (Use the printer setting of Windows 95 to change default printer options.)

3.	Specify a print range and the number of copies to print, then choose OK to begin printing your report.


Setting Dynamic Data Access (DDA) options
Setting Dynamic Data Access (DDA] options

  Related Topics

You can set parameters within the Options dialog box to control the parameters of data access and storage, as well as memory usage for report data. The first option you’ll want to set involves Dynamic Data Access, ReportSmith’s means of obtaining the data for your reports.

The options you select in Dynamic Data Access parameters control which resources ReportSmith uses to store and move data. Select from the parameters shown in the following table.

Option	Description
Client Memory	Select this option if you always want data loaded into client (your computer’s) memory.
Client Disk	Select this option if you always want data loaded onto your computer’s hard disk. Specify the data path for the disk in the RPTSMITH.INI file.
On server	Select this option to have ReportSmith leave all the records on the server (the remote computer supplying the data source) except the number of records specified in the Buffer option
Automatic	Select this option (the default) to have ReportSmith evaluate where to place the data. When you select this option, the following additional options become available: Minimize Report Data Memory Usage evaluates available disk space and keeps the data on the server if there isn’t enough room on your computer’s hard disk. Limit Report Data Usage to Percentage of Memory limits memory usage to a specific percentage (50% by default) of available memory. ReportSmith estimates the memory requirements for data storage, and if the data requires more than the specified percentage of available memory, ReportSmith then looks at available disk space. If the disk space is also insufficient, data remains on the server. You can enter the exact percentage you want to use. Limit Report Data Memory Usage to ___KB of memory estimates memory requirements for data storage using the number of kilobytes (KB) you enter for this option, instead of a percentage limit. Enter the number of KB in the text box for this option. Buffer ___ Records specifies how many records should be stored locally (on your computer) when ReportSmith access data sources on a server (remote computer).
Preload  Records	Check this option to have ReportSmith load buffered records before accessing the rest of a data source.


Setting startup options

  Related Topics

You can choose to have ReportSmith prompt you to load an existing report, prompt you to create a new report, or open with no report at all, upon startup.

To specify startup options, choose Tools | Options, then select the startup option you prefer.


Setting ruler options
Setting ruler/measurement options

  Related Topics

The ReportSmith rulers provide a handy way to gauge the size of your report page as it will be printed. You can choose to display inches or centimeters, or you can turn off the ruler display.

To specify ruler options, choose Tools | Options, then select the ruler option you prefer.


Listing table fields alphabetically

  Related Topics

You can choose to have table fields listed alphabetically, rather than in the order they may actually occur within the tables. After choosing this option, the next time you load a table and its fields into a report, those fields will be listed alphabetically. However, you can still manually rearrange columns by dragging and dropping them.

To specify alphabetical field listing, choose Tools | Options, then select the listing option you prefer.


Setting report font options

  Related Topics

You can choose which font types you want ReportSmith to use in displaying and printing reports.

To specify font options, choose Tools | Options, then select the font option you prefer, using the table below as a guide.

Option	Description
Screen fonts	ReportSmith will use only those fonts designed for use on the screen. When printing, Windows will then search for the closest match possible if an exact match cannot be found. This can result in a printed report differing somewhat from the displayed version.
Printer fonts	ReportSmith will list and use only those fonts designed for use in a printer. Windows will then substitute the closest possible match in a display (screen) font, if an exact match cannot be found. This can result in a printed report differing somewhat from the displayed version.
Screen and Printer fonts	ReportSmith will list and use all fonts installed on your computer system, matching screen and printer font names whenever possible, to ensure the closest possible match between displayed and printed versions of a report.
TrueType fonts	ReportSmith will list and use only TrueType fonts, which appear the same on the screen and the printed versions, and across different printer types. Using TrueType fonts ensures an exact match between displayed and printed reports, but they are somewhat slower to print than conventional printer fonts.


Setting command-line parameters

  Related Topics

ReportSmith provides yet another convenient customization feature: the ability to specify in the command line the .INI, .MAC, and .RPT files you want to use. This option generally takes the syntax:

[path to ReportSmith] [.RPT files] [.INI files] [.MAC files}

For example, the command line

RPTSMITH.EXE C:\RPTS\TIME.RPT C:\WINDOWS\MYRS.INI E:\MACS\TEST.MAC

will first load ReportSmith, using the C:\WINDOWS\MYRS.INI custom initialization file. Then, ReportSmith will open the C:\RPTS\TIME.RPT report file, and finally load the E:\MACS\TEST.MAC macro file.

You can list more than one report or macro, but be sure to list them in the order you want ReportSmith to load and execute them. That is, if you list two reports, a macro, and another report, that is exactly the order in which ReportSmith will load and execute the files.

Important:	While you can list multiple report and macro files, you should list only one .INI file, because the ReportSmith initialization file can be changed only from the command line. If you inadvertently list more than one .INI file on the command line, ReportSmith uses the last one listed.


Using Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) with ReportSmith

  Related Topics

Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) sends data to and receives data from other applications. With ReportSmith, you can use this protocol to exchange data with other applications. You can also send commands and macros to other applications, so ReportSmith can control other applications.

Here’s a typical way to use DDE: a link between two applications is established, either by ReportSmith or the other application. Once this link (called a conversation) is established, the two applications can continuously and automatically send data back and forth.

Note:	Not all applications support DDE. To determine whether an application supports DDE, refer to its documentation.

DDE conversations

In order to have a DDE conversation, there must be a DDE client application and a DDE server application. The application that requests data is the client. The application that provides the requested data, and updates the DDE client, is the DDE server. ReportSmith can function as both a DDE client and a DDE server (but not at the same time). A DDE conversation is defined by its service, topic, and item.

Note:	Sometimes DDE clients are called destinations, and DDE servers are called sources. The terminology is interchangeable.

The service of a conversation is the name of the DDE server. Typically, this is the server application’s main executable file without the .EXE extension. For example, if you want your application to establish a conversation with Novell Quattro Pro 6.0 (QPW.EXE), the conversation service is QPW.

Sometimes, however, the service differs from the main executable file name, and ReportSmith is just such a case—to establish a conversation with ReportSmith (RPTSMITH.EXE), the DDE service would be “ReportSmith.”

If you are using ReportSmith with Borland Delphi, and the server is a Delphi application, the service is the project name without the .DPR or .EXE extension. For example, to establish a conversation with PROJ1.DPR the service is PROJ1.

Note:	The DDE service depends on the DDE server application. Refer to the documentation of the DDE server for specific information about specifying the DDE service.

Sometimes DDE services are called application names or app names. The terminology is interchangeable.

DDE topics

The topic of a DDE conversation is a unit of data, identifiable to the server, containing the linked information. Typically, the topic is a complete file. For example, if the data you want to share is in the Quattro Pro notebook file NOTEBK1.WB2, the topic would be NOTEBK1.WB2; the full file name is used, including the extension.

Acting as a DDE client, ReportSmith can communicate with any application which supports DDE, using the standard System topic or any other topics made available by that application.

As a DDE server, ReportSmith will respond to: the System topic, for activation of ReportSmith menu commands, the Command topic, for execution of ReportSmith macro commands, and user-defined topics.

If the server is a Delphi application, the topic is (by default) the caption of the form containing the data you want to link. For example, if you want to link to text in a form with a Caption of MyApp, the topic would be MyApp. (Optionally, you could use the name of a DDEServerConv component as explained in Delphi documentation.)

DDE items

The item of a DDE conversation identifies the actual piece of data to link. The syntax used for specifying the DDE item depends on the DDE server application. Examples of possible DDE items are spreadsheet cells or database fields.

If the server is a Delphi application, the item is the name of the linked DDEServerItem component. For example, to establish a conversation with the DDE server component named DDEServer1, the item would be DDEServer1. DDEServerItems are discussed in detail in the Delphi documentation.

Note:	See the documentation for the DDE server for specific information about specifying the application, topic, and item of a conversation.

DDE Synchronization

If a client must wait until the DDE process is complete (when ReportSmith is the server), you will need to know when ReportSmith finishes executing the DDE command. This is done by waiting for the main application window to regain focus.


Using ReportSmith as a DDE client

  Related Topics

Most often, you will probably use ReportSmith as a DDE client (the recipient of data and originator of commands or data requests). There are several functions available to ReportSmith when it functions as a DDE client, as explained below.

Using Paste Link with DDE

If you have access to the DDE server application and data, you can use ReportSmith as a DDE client, and establish a DDE link by pasting data from the Clipboard.

To paste a DDE data link from the Clipboard into ReportSmith:

1.	Activate the server application and select the data to link into ReportSmith. (For example, to link to a particular field in a particular record of a Paradox table, select that field in Paradox [not in ReportSmith dialog boxes].)

2.	Copy the data and DDE link information to the Clipboard from the server application. (Typically, you do this by choosing Edit | Copy in the server application.)

3.	Activate ReportSmith.

4.	Choose Edit | Paste Link. The Object cursor appears.

5.	Click in your report to Paste Link the data and establish a DDE connection.

The Data is pasted into ReportSmith, and linked to its source. If the Paste Link button is disabled, then the application you intended to be the server does not support DDE, or the DDE information was not successfully copied to the Clipboard. In many cases, you will see the pasted information as a “snapshot” graphic of its source, but the link is active and the graphic representation changes as the original data does.

Requesting data

Some DDE items aren’t passed automatically in a DDE conversation. Instead, the client (ReportSmith) must explicitly request a specific item to be updated by the DDE server. You might also want ReportSmith to obtain data from a DDE server just once, and not be continually updated by the DDE server. In these cases, ReportSmith should request to be updated with the appropriate method (usually the DDERequest macro command in ReportBasic).

Note:	To determine whether ReportSmith must explicitly request to be updated, see the documentation of the DDE server application.

Poking data

Poking data means sending data from ReportSmith (functioning as a DDE client) to the DDE server application, directly opposite the usual data flow direction for DDE.

To poke data, use the DDEPoke macro command in ReportBasic.

Note:	Just as you need to provide an area and a means to display DDE data in ReportSmith, so you also need to provide a source for the data (topic and item) you want ReportSmith to poke. See the online macro command reference for detailed information on specifying parameters for the DDEPoke command.

Controlling other applications

All DDE client applications—including ReportSmith—can control server applications in one particular way: clients attempt to run servers, when necessary. When ReportSmith tries to establish a link with a DDE server that isn’t running, ReportSmith attempts to activate the server and load the conversation topic.

To activate a DDE server from within ReportSmith, use the DDEExecute, DDEPoke, or DDERequest macro commands:

DDEExecute sends an execution message to the server.

DDEPoke pokes data from ReportSmith to the server.

DDERequest obtains updated data from the server.

Another way to control other applications is to execute macro commands within the server. Use the ReportSmith’s DDEExecute macro command to send the appropriate commands for server-specific macros.

Note:	Not all DDE servers can process macros. See the documentation for the server application to determine whether it supports macros and for its macro syntax.


Using ReportSmith as a DDE server application

  Related Topics

DDE server applications respond to DDE clients. Typically, server applications contain data to which the client application needs access. Servers simply update clients, and are customarily called from within the client.

Typically, it is up to the DDE client to establish the link with a DDE server application. If you want to test a link from your DDE server, you can use the Clipboard to paste a link.

To call ReportSmith (as a DDE server) from within another application, see the documentation for the client application, to determine the necessary steps.


What is OLE?

  Related Topics

Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) is a method for sharing data among applications. To use OLE, one application must be an OLE server, and another application must be an OLE container. ReportSmith 3.0 can function as an OLE client.

An OLE server is an application that can create and edit an OLE object. An OLE container is an application that can contain an OLE object. An OLE object is simply the data shared by the two applications. Examples of OLE objects are documents, spreadsheets, pictures, and sounds.

Here’s a typical way to use OLE: the OLE container application displays a picture representing the OLE object. The user activates the OLE object, typically by double-clicking the picture. When the OLE object is activated, the OLE server application opens, and the user can edit the OLE object using the OLE server. Then the user updates the OLE object within the OLE container and closes the OLE server.

Note:	Not all applications support OLE. To determine whether an application supports OLE, refer to its documentation.


OLE 1.0 vs. OLE 2.0

  Related Topics

There are two versions of OLE at the time of this writing: OLE 1.0 and OLE 2.0. ReportSmith 3.0 supports OLE 2.0, both as a client.

When a ReportSmith user activates an OLE object that was created with an OLE 1.0 server application, the server application opens in its own window in the foreground and receives focus. ReportSmith exists in a separate window in the background.

When the user activates an OLE object that was created with an OLE 2.0 server application, the object might try to activate in place. In-place activation means the OLE server’s menu is merged with the OLE container’s menu. The server’s tool bar replaces the container’s tool bar, and the server might try to use the container’s status bar. The object is edited from within the OLE container application window, but all the processing is handled by the OLE server.

Note:	The mode of activation depends upon the server with which the OLE object was created, not the container application in which it is linked or embedded. If an OLE 1.0 object is opened within ReportSmith 3.0, it still opens in the OLE 1.0 style (not in place).


Linking vs. Embedding

  Related Topics

You can add OLE objects to reports by either linking or embedding the objects. Linked and embedded objects look identical and act much the same in a document. However, there are important differences:

An embedded object loses its identity as a file and becomes part of another document.

A linked object maintains its identity as a separate file.

Since a linked object remains a separate file, making changes to it changes it in every report to which it is linked. An embedded object, on the other hand, is changed only in the report in which you make the change, not in other reports in which it is embedded or within the original.

Choose linking when:

You want to be able to make changes to the original and have those changes reflected in all documents linked to that original.

The object is to be inserted into several reports or widely distributed.

The original file is likely to be frequently modified.

The original file is unlikely to be moved.

The object is large, and you will be distributing it via a network or electronic mail.

You need to conserve disk space by having only one copy of the object.

Choose embedding when:

You want to be able to make changes to the object and have those changes reflected only in one particular document.

The object is to be inserted into only a few documents, or will not be widely distributed.

The original file is unlikely to be frequently modified.

The original file is likely to be frequently moved.

The object is small, or when the object is large but you will not be distributing it via a network or electronic mail.

You do not need to conserve disk space by having only one copy of the object.


Using linked objects in ReportSmith

  Related Topics

There are two ways to link an object in a report:

You can link an object in a document by dragging it (or, in some applications, its picture) from the OLE server to the report and dropping it where you want it.

You can link an object by copying the object to the Clipboard and then pasting it in the report where you want it.


To drag and drop an OLE object into a report:

1.	Arrange the OLE server and the report so that both are visible.

2.	Open or create the object that you want to add to the report.

3.	In the server application, select the object or the object's picture, as appropriate.

4.	Drag the object (or its picture) to the location in the report where you want to place the object, and click. As you click in the report, the Object cursor appears.

5.	Click once again to insert the object.

Notes:

The OLE server uses the Clipboard to transfer the information when you drag and drop a OLE object, so you should be aware that any other data on the Clipboard will be lost.

Objects can be added only from documents created in a Windows-based application that supports object linking and embedding (OLE).

You can also add an object to a report by copying that object to the Clipboard and then pasting it into the report. A linked or embedded object becomes an embedded object within the report to which it has been added.

The OLE server (not ReportSmith) determines whether a drag-and-drop object will be linked or embedded. This option is usually set through a menu command in the server application.

To edit an object from within a report:

1.	In the report, double-click the object. The object’s parent application appears or replaces ReportSmith’s menu structure.

2.	Edit the object.

3.	Choose File | Save.

Note:	Changes to an embedded object do not affect the original object. Changes to a linked object are made to the original file and are updated automatically in all documents that are linked to it.


To add a linked object to a report using copy and paste:

1.	Open both the application supplying the object, and the report in which you want to paste the object.

2.	Open or create the object that you want to add to the report.

3.	In the server application, choose Edit | Copy. The object is copied to the Clipboard.

4.	Switch to the report in which the object is to be inserted, and place the insertion point where you want to paste the object.

5.	Choose Edit | Paste Link to link to the object. (This command may not be available for all objects; consult your Windows 95 documentation for details.)

Note:	An object must have been saved as a file before you can link it to a report.

When linking an object by pasting, you can use the Edit | Paste Special command in ReportSmith (and the resulting dialog box) to specify which file type to use for the embedded object. This can sometimes affect whether the object is static or editable. See your Windows 95 documentation for details.

You can also use this command, and the resulting dialog box, to specify whether the object should be shown in its entirety or displayed as an icon representing the object itself.

To use the Edit | Paste Special dialog box, follow steps 1 through 5 above, then choose Edit | Paste Special. Set options as desired, then choose OK.

Editing linked or embedded objects

When you double-click an object from within a report, the object’s parent application opens. If the parent application supports only OLE 1.0, the application itself opens, and you can edit the object within that application before returning to ReportSmith. If the parent application supports OLE 2.0, its menu structure replaces that of ReportSmith, and you can edit the object “in place.”

To edit an object from within a report:

1.	In the report, double-click the object. The object’s parent application appears or replaces ReportSmith’s menu structure.

2.	Edit the object.

3.	Choose File | Save.

Note:	Changes to an embedded object do not affect the original object. Changes to a linked object are made to the original file and are updated automatically in all documents that are linked to it.


Embedding objects in ReportSmith

  Related Topics

There are three ways to embed an object in a report:

You can embed an object in a report by dragging it (or, in some applications, its picture) from the OLE server to the report and dropping it where you want it.

You can embed an object by copying the object to the Clipboard and then pasting it in the report where you want it.

You can embed an object in a document by using the Insert Object command within the report. (You cannot link an object with this method.)

Note:	You define whether a dragged-and-dropped object is linked or embedded by setting a default OLE Preference option within the OLE server application. See the documentation for your OLE server application for details.


To drag and drop an OLE object into a report:

1.	Arrange the OLE server and the report so that both are visible.

2.	Open or create the object that you want to add to the report.

3.	In the server application, select the object or the object's picture, as appropriate.

4.	Drag the object (or its picture) to the location in the report where you want to place the object, and click. As you click in the report, the Object cursor appears.

5.	Click once again to insert the object.

Notes

The OLE server uses the Clipboard to transfer the information when you drag and drop a OLE object, so you should be aware that any other data on the Clipboard will be lost.

Objects can be added only from documents created in a Windows-based application that supports object linking and embedding (OLE).

You can also add an object to a report by copying that object to the Clipboard and then pasting it into the report. A linked or embedded object becomes an embedded object within the report to which it has been added.

To edit an object from within a report:

1.	In the report, double-click the object. The object’s parent application appears or replaces ReportSmith’s menu structure.

2.	Edit the object.

3.	Choose File | Update, then choose File | Exit and Return.

Note:	Changes to an embedded object do not affect the original object. Changes to a linked object are made to the original file and are updated automatically in all documents that are linked to it.


To add an embedded object to a report using copy and paste:

1.	Open both the application supplying the object, and the report in which you want to paste the object.

2.	Open or create the object that you want to add to the report.

3.	In the server application, choose Edit | Copy. The object is copied to the Clipboard.

4.	Switch to the report in which the object is to be inserted, and place the insertion point where you want to paste the object.

5.	Choose Edit | Paste to embed the object.

When embedding an object by pasting, you can use the Edit | Paste Special command in ReportSmith (and the resulting dialog box) to specify which file type to use for the embedded object. This can sometimes affect whether the object is static or editable. See your Windows 95 documentation for details.

You can also use this command, and the resulting dialog box, to specify whether the object should be shown in its entirety or displayed as an icon representing the object itself.

To use the Edit | Paste Special dialog box, follow steps 1 through 5 above, then choose Edit | Paste Special. Set options as desired, then choose OK.

To edit an object from within a report:

1.	In the report, double-click the object. The object’s parent application appears or replaces ReportSmith’s menu structure.

2.	Edit the object.

3.	Choose File | Update, then choose File | Exit and Return.

Note:	Changes to an embedded object do not affect the original object. Changes to a linked object are made to the original file and are updated automatically in all documents that are linked to it.


To add an object using the Insert Object menu command:

1.	In your report, place the insertion point where you want to add the object.

2.	Choose Insert | Object. The Insert Object dialog box appears.

3.	In the Object Type box, select the appropriate file type.

4.	Choose OK. ReportSmith opens the application associated with the file type you specified.

Note:	A particular application only appears if you selected that application as the default OLE application for this file type, during setup. This is normally done automatically by the application’s installation program.

5.	In your server application, create the object you want to add to your report.

6.	Choose File | Update to save the changes.

7.	Choose File | Exit and Return. The object is placed in the report at the insertion point.

8.	Save your report.

To edit an object from within a report:

1.	In the report, double-click the object. The object’s parent application appears or replaces ReportSmith’s menu structure.

2.	Edit the object.

3.	Choose File | Update, then choose File | Exit and Return.

Note:	Changes to an embedded object do not affect the original object. Changes to a linked object are made to the original file and are updated automatically in all documents that are linked to it.


Comparing DDE and OLE

  Related Topics

DDE and OLE are both for sharing data between applications. When should you use DDE and when should you use OLE?

DDE is good for exchanging distinct text strings. If all you want to know is the bottom line of a profits spreadsheet, it makes sense to link the cell that contains the bottom line to a ReportSmith report. DDE protects the data in the spreadsheet by not allowing users to activate and edit the spreadsheet from within ReportSmith.

OLE is able to exchange more complex information than DDE, such as sounds and documents. Control transfers to the OLE server application when you activate an object in your OLE container, so report users can access all the functionality of the server application from within your container application. The server does all the processing and you don’t have to program ReportSmith to edit the OLE object. This would be good if you wanted to allow your users to modify a linked profits spreadsheet from within ReportSmith.

The final factor in determining when to use DDE and when to use OLE is the capabilities of the applications involved. Some Windows applications don’t support DDE. Some don’t support OLE. Other applications can be OLE containers, but can’t be OLE servers. For more information, see the documentation for the application with which you want to exchange data.


Saving or exporting report data

  Related Topics

Besides saving reports to the default RPT file format, you can also export data from ReportSmith for use in other applicationsm with the File | Save As menu command.

To save a report to the default .RPT file format, choose File | Save.

To export data:

From the ReportSmith Runtime Viewer toolbar, click the Save button

—or—

1.	Choose File | Save As, and navigate to the desired location of your file.

2.	Choose a file type from the List Files of Type list

3.	Choose OK to save the report as new file type and name.


What are reports?

  Related Topics

If you work with data and databases, chances are you're working with data categorized and organized into multiple tables or files, interrelated in a variety of ways. However, those interrelations aren't always the relationships that you need to see. Or, you may find that different departments of your company need to view different data and different relationships between that data. All of this information is there in your databases, but because it may not be organized and filtered for each department, the information can be difficult to find.

A report provides a means of filtering and presenting that data. For example, the Sales department can choose to view only the data they need, organized by salesperson, by quarter, or by both. The Human Resources department will have very different data needs, but they can use the same databases to create reports that present exactly the data they want, exactly the way they want to see it.

ReportSmith 3.0 provides the power and flexibility to create dynamic and informative reports to exactly suit your data reporting needs.


Understanding data dictionaries

  Related Topics

Important:	ReportSmith 3.01 (or later) enables you to use existing "legacy" data dictionaries created in earlier versions of ReportSmith, but does not provide for the creation of new data dictionaries. If you anticipate creating new data dictionaries, be sure that you retain the Data Dictionary Administrator included in earlier versions of ReportSmith.

A data dictionary enables you to create a unique view of information for a department, based on its reporting needs. For example, the Purchasing, Marketing, and Accounting departments all view the same data, which is based on the activity of selling a product. However, each department has its own needs and require a different view of that data. The Purchasing Department needs to see items that need to be restocked, the Marketing Department needs customer information, and the Accounting Department needs invoice information. All of this information might be stored within the same database, but collected, filtered, and viewed very differently by the different departments.

You can use a data dictionary to present each department with a customized view of the data, as in the graphic below:


Enabling existing data dictionaries

  Related Topics

Important:	ReportSmith 3.01 (or later) enables you to use existing "legacy" data dictionaries created in earlier versions of ReportSmith, but does not provide for the creation of new data dictionaries. If you anticipate creating new data dictionaries, be sure that you retain the Data Dictionary Administrator included in earlier versions of ReportSmith.

To enable a data dictionary for use in ReportSmith, you will need to edit the contents of the RS_DD.INI file that resides (by default) in your \WINDOWS folder. This is done automatically whenever you use the Data Dictionary Administrator (included in earlier versions of ReportSmith) to create a data dictionary, or when you Add a dictionary in ReportSmith.

You will also need to set the desired view for the dictionary you intend to use, and associate that dictionary with the appropriate data connection(s).

After correctly setting these options, you can set up additional data dictionary users either by distributing the RS_DD.INI file to each user, or by using the Tools | Data Dictionaries command from within ReportSmith, to recreate the appropriate data dictionary settings.

  Click here for instructions on enabling data dictionaries.


To enable data dictionaries:

1.	From ReportSmith, choose Tools | Data Dictionaries.

The Data Dictionaries dialog box appears.

2.	In the Data Dictionaries dialog box, select the dictionary you want to enable. (The dictionary may already list a selected view, as well.)

3.	To change which view within the selected dictionary will be used, choose Set View, then use the Select View dialog box to select the desired data view and choose OK.

4.	Choose Associate to associate the selected dictionary with a data connection. If no connection has been established for the selected dictionary, the Select Connection dialog box appears, where you can either associate an existing named connection, or specify a particular data path.

5.	Choose OK to enable the data dictionary and close the Data Dictionary dialog box.

Once you have enabled a data dictionary, that dictionary and the selected view within the dictionary will be used whenever a user specifies the associated connection.


Report Query - Tables dialog box

  Related Topics

The figure shown below represents the Report Query - Tables dialog box with one table added to the list of tables contained in the active report.

Note:	The Report Query dialog box appears when you have specified a report type and style, in creating a new report. However, several options, including aliases and table linking, will not be available until you have added one or more tables to the report.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Report Query - Tables option

Displays the Report Query - Tables dialog box, where you can specify:

tables and table columns to include or exclude from your report.

table aliases to simplify table maintenance in the future.

table links to incorporate only the data you want.

Important	When you create a new report and have not yet added tables to it, this dialog box does not contain aliasing, column selection, or linking options. These options appear only when you have added one or more tables.


Report Query - Selections option

Displays the Report Query - Selections dialog box, where you can specify which records to include in your report, by setting criteria that “filter” the report data.


Report Query - Sorting option

Displays the Report Query - Sorting dialog box, where you can specify sorting criteria to control the order in which report data is gathered and displayed.


Report Query - Derived fields option

Displays the Report Query - Derived Fields dialog box, where you can create derived fields using either SQL or the ReportBasic macro language.


Report Query - Report Variables option

Displays the Report Query - Report Variables dialog box, where you can create and edit report variables to prompt report users for values to use in filtering displayed report data.


Report Query - Database Grouping option

Displays the Report Query - Database Grouping dialog box, where you can choose to group data before importing it into your report.


Report Query - SQL option

Displays the Report Query - SQL dialog box, where you can enter or edit direct-SQL (Structured Query Language) queries.

Warning:	You should use direct SQL entry only if you are an expert-level user of SQL. While you can convert a ReportSmith-style query to direct SQL text, you cannot reverse this process. If you are unsure of your skill in using direct SQL entry, we recommend that you build the query using ReportSmith’s tools.


Tables in report

This list displays all tables you have added to your report. If applicable, the list will also display the folder and filename path to each table.


Alias

Lists any table aliases, directly opposite the table referenced by the alias.


Assign new alias

An alias entered in this text box is assigned to the selected table, when the user clicks the Assign new alias button.


Table links

Lists any table links you have created in this report query. When you use two or more tables in a report query, the tables should be linked on shared fields, to prevent ReportSmith from matching each record of the first table to all records of each subsequent table, which can generate enormous and unwieldy numbers of report records.


Add table

Displays the Select Table To Be Added dialog box, where you can specify tables and table columns to be included or excluded from your report.


Replace table

Replaces the selected table with another table of your choosing.


Remove table

Removes the selected table from the list of tables to be included in the report.

Caution:	Do not remove tables needed to complete table links.


Table columns

Displays the Table Columns dialog box, where you can specify columns or column values to include in your report, and set column aliases.


Edit link

Displays the Edit Table Link dialog box, where you can edit the selected link between two tables.

Note:	This option is available only when the report contains two or more tables, and those tables have been linked.


Add new link

Displays the Create New Table Link dialog box, where you can set links between shared fields of two tables, using the following operators:

equals (contents of the first table field are equal to the contents of the second table field)

is less than (first table field value is less than second table field value)

is less than or equal to

is greater than

is greater than or equal to

In each case, the first table field is compared to the second table field, regardless of which operator is used.


Remove link

Removes the selected link from the list of table links.


Done

Closes the window or dialog box, and puts into effect all modifications or setting choices.


Cancel

Closes the window or dialog box, canceling all changes or edits you have made.


Help

Displays online Help for the dialog box.


Close button

Closes the window or dialog box, prompting for unsaved changes.


Create A New Report dialog box

  Related Topics

The Create A New Report dialog box appears whenever you choose File | New from the ReportSmith menu bar. Use this dialog box to specify the report type and style you intend to use, before specifying the tables, columns, and links used to generate your report.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Columnar report type

A columnar report displays data across the report page in vertical columns, with each horizontal row representing individual data records. This report type is useful when you need only a simple list of relevant data.


Crosstab report type

A crosstab report displays data in a summary or spreadsheet format. As in a spreadsheet, some cells may represent totals of other cells, or may in some other way make reference to other cells in the report.


Form report type

A form report displays data in free-form across the report page. Each record always starts on a new page, so there is just one record per page. If the amount of data in each record is large, a single record can span multiple pages.


Label report type

A label report displays data in label format. ReportSmith can automatically generate all types of Avery label styles for you.


Draft mode

Displays your report with a minimum of formatting, no graphical images, and a limited number of records (optional), to expedite data modification. Use presentation mode to view your report as it will be printed.


Presentation mode

Displays your report as it will be printed, with all formatting. Use draft mode to view your report with a minimum of formatting, to expedite data modification.


Default style

Displays the current default style (named set of formatting choices) for the selected report type.


Style

Displays the Report Styles dialog box, where you can select standard report styles (named sets of formatting choices), or modify existing styles to create and save custom styles.


OK button

Closes the window or dialog box, accepting any changes or edits you have made.


Report Styles dialog box

  Related Topics

The figure below represents the Reports Styles dialog box, where you can select system styles (named sets of formatting choices), or modify existing system or custom styles to create new custom styles. The system styles shown will vary depending on the report type you have specified.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Report type

Displays the currently specified report type.


System styles

Lists all available system styles (those provided by ReportSmith) for the current report type. You cannot modify or delete system styles.


Custom styles

Lists any custom styles you have created and saved. Custom styles are based upon the formatting choices used in the currently active report, which in turn may be based upon a system style. You can modify, add, or delete custom styles, but not system styles.


Sample

Displays a sample of the selected report style, as it will appear when applied to the currently active report.


New (style)

Displays the Name Report Style dialog box, which prompts you for a name for the new custom style, then saves all current formatting choices in the new style.


Apply (style)

Applies the selected system or custom report style to the currently active report.


Delete (style)

Deletes the selected custom report style. You cannot delete system styles.


Rename (style)

Displays the Name Report Style dialog box, which renames the selected custom report style. You cannot rename system styles.


Edit (style)

Displays the Edit Report Style dialog box, where you can set formatting choices for the selected custom report style. You cannot edit system styles.


Edit Report Style dialog box

  Related Topics

The figure below represents the Edit Report Style dialog box, where you can set formatting choices for the selected custom report style. You cannot edit system styles (those supplied by ReportSmith).

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Name (of style to edit)

Displays the name of the custom style you are editing.


Object (of style to edit)

Lists style elements whose formatting can be modified. Select the style element you want to modify, then use the formatting buttons on the right side of this dialog box to edit formatting as appropriate.


Character

Displays the Font common dialog box, where you can specify such character attributes as font typeface, size, weight, and color.


Border

Displays the Borders dialog box, where you can specify border and shading options for various report elements.


Format

Displays the Format Field dialog box, where you can specify text or numeric formats (as appropriate) for various report fields.


Alignment

Displays the Alignment dialog box, where you can specify whether the selected element should be aligned left, center, or right.


Pattern

Displays the Patterns dialog box, where you can specify pattern options for the selected report element. This option is available only on certain graphical report elements.


Clear

Removes any display of the selected item or items from the report. This command does not remove the element from the list of editable elements in the Edit Report Style dialog box.


Page Setup

Displays the Page Setup dialog box, where you can specify report page margins, orientation, and graphical background (wallpaper).


Format Field dialog box

  Related Topics

The figure below represents the Format Field dialog box, where you can specify the manner in which various field types should be displayed. For example, you might prefer to have numeric data shown with commas as “thousands” separators, and negative numbers enclosed in parentheses rather than preceded by a minus (-) sign.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Category

Lists the four field types (Numeric, Currency, Percentage, and Scientific (exponential) notation) for which you can set display formatting preferences.


Format code

Lists the available format codes for the selected field category.


Format

Displays the selected field format code, and allows you to modify it to create a custom format.


Field format sample

This area shows sample input in the left column and, the effect the selected field format will have on that input. For example, depending on the field format code you have selected, “5” becomes “5.00”, “15328” becomes
“15, 328.00” and “-12” becomes “(12.00)”.


Delete (field format)

Removes the selected custom field format code from the list of available format codes. Although you can modify system format codes to create custom formats, you cannot delete system format codes.


Borders dialog box

  Related Topics

The figure below represents the Borders dialog box, where you can specify bordering and shading options for individual report objects or entire report columns.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Apply (border) to…

Applies bordering options to an individual report element in the selected column, or to the entire column.

Note:	The “Column” option is unavailable if you select an item other than a column of report data (for example, a graph or group footer).


Border Type

Select the type of border you want to apply to the report element:

None applies no bordering at all.

Box border applies a line on 0 to 4 sides of the specified report element.

Shadow applies a “drop shadow” border, slightly offset from the bordered element, and giving it the appearance of floating slightly above the report surface.


Line Type

Specifies the type of line used to draw box borders.


(Border) Style

Specifies the style and line positions used in drawing a box border.


Thickness

Specifies the line thickness used to draw the specified items of the Style group box. If “Outline” or “Rounded” is selected as the border style, only one thickness selection box appears, indicating that a uniform thickness will be applied to the entire box. If you choose Left, Right, Top, or Bottom (or any combination of these) in the Style group box, a thickness selection box appears for each of these items, so that you can specify different thicknesses for different border elements.


Color

Specifies the color of lines used to draw a box border. This selection does not affect the shadow color of shadow borders.


Standoff

Specifies the distance between a box border and the bordered report element. This selection does not affect the standoff of a shadow border.


Shadow color

Specifies the color used for shadow borders. This selection does not affect the color of box borders.


Shadow offset

Specifies the thickness of a shadow border. Thicker shadows give the illusion of the bordered report element “floating” higher from the report surface; thinner shadows give the illusion of the bordered report element being closer to the report surface.


Border pattern

Specifies the pattern used to fill the interior of a bordered report element. You can specify a pattern for a report element even if that element’s border type is “None.”


(Border) sample

Displays a sample of your combined bordering, shadowing, and pattern choices.


Patterns dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Patterns dialog box, where you can specify pen (outline) and brush (fill) options for those report elements supporting pattern options.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Pen

Specifies whether no pen (outline options) or a custom pen style and color will be used on the selected report element.


(Pen) Style

Specifies type of line (solid, dashed, dotted, and combinations of these) to use with the pen.

Note:	Dashed and dotted combinations are effective only at low settings (around 0.01 in.) for the pen weight (line width).


(Pen) Color

Sets the color of the line drawn by the pen.

Note:	Color names in this dialog box are specified by ReportSmith, and may slightly differ from names used by other Windows applications for the same colors.


(Pen) Weight

Sets the weight (thickness) of the line drawn by the pen.

Tip:	If you intend to use dashed or dotted lines (or any combination thereof), set the weight for no more than 0.01 inches.


Brush

Specifies whether no brush (fill) or a custom brush pattern will be used on the selected report element.


(Brush) Pattern

Sets the brush pattern (solid, striped, cross-hatched, or another variation of these) used to fill the selected report element.


(Brush) Color

Sets the foreground color used by the brush to fill the selected report element. This dialog box does not affect the background color, which is the color of the report element itself.


(Pattern) Sample

Displays a sample of your pen and brush settings, in combination.


Page Setup dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Page Setup dialog box, where you can specify page margins, orientation, and (for label reports only) the layout of labels on the page.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Page Setup dialog box (orientation)
Page Setup dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Page Setup dialog box, where you can specify page margins, orientation, and (for label reports only) the layout of labels on the page.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Margins option

This option displays the margin options of the Page Setup (as opposed to the Page Orientation or Label layout options) dialog box.


Labels option

This options displays various layout configurations for printing labels on a page. This option is available only if you are creating a label-type report.


(Page Setup) Sample

Displays a sample of your page setup choices, applied to an example report page.


Margin settings

Each margin can be set independently, but you cannot set margins to negative values, as this would cause the printed area to extend beyond the page edge. Similarly, remember not to set margins to values so small as to extend into your printer’s non-printing area.

Note:	Gutter margins allow for bound pages. The “gutter” runs along the inside margin of each page (on the right side for left-hand pages and vice versa for right-hand pages), and is figured in addition to the left and right margins. For example, if you set a right margin of .5” and a gutter of .25”, the effective right margin for left-hand pages is .75”.


Wallpaper

Displays the Wallpaper dialog box, where you can specify a background graphical image (wallpaper) that will appear on each report page.


Size and Orientation

Displays the page sizing and orientation options of the Page Setup dialog box.


Paper size

Lists available standard paper sizes, including most common European sizes.

Tip:	If the page size you want is not listed, you can create it by setting to width and height options to the appropriate measurements.


Page width

If you have selected one of the standard paper sizes, this option displays the width associated with the paper size. Otherwise, enter the page width you want, or use the arrows to set the width.


Page height

If you have selected one of the standard paper sizes, this option displays the width associated with the paper size. Otherwise, enter the page width you want, or use the arrows to set the width.


Portrait/Landscape

Sets the orientation of the page, portrait (report prints across the short edge of the page) or landscape (report prints across the long edge of the page).


Wallpaper dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Wallpaper dialog box, where you can specify a graphic to be displayed as background for each report page. You can also specify whether that graphic should be printed, or only displayed onscreen.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


(Wallpaper) File

Lists the file to be used as the wallpaper (report page background graphic). By default, ReportSmith will list only files in its own directory – normally ..\RPTSMITH. However, you can use any graphic file by entering a complete path and filename in this box.


Wallpaper placement options

Specifies size and placement of wallpaper (report page background graphic). You can center the graphic image, tile it (repeat the image as many times as possible on the page), or horizontally and vertically justify a single image to occupy the entire page.


(Wallpaper) Do not print

When this option is checked, wallpaper is displayed onscreen only, but not printed with the report.


Connection dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Connection dialog box, where you can view or create named connections.

Note:	Named connections do not permit access to a particular table or database. Instead, they provide directory and login “shortcuts” to data locations matching the specified connection type and location. Likewise, ReportSmith does not store user passwords as part of named connections, as doing so would create a potential security breach.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


(Connection) Name

Displays the name of the selected (existing) named connection, or provides a place for you to enter the name of a new connection.


(Connection) Type

Lists available connection types for use in this named connection. If you select an existing connection, displays the type of that connection.


Data file path/Database name

This entry box is named “Data file path” for local BDE or ODBC connections, or “Database name” for SQL server connections. In the case of SQL connections, you will also need to enter your User ID, whereas with local data sources you need only specify the folder location for the named connection.

Note:	Named connections do not permit access to a particular table or database. Instead, they provide folder or login “shortcuts” to data locations matching the specified connection type and location. Likewise, ReportSmith does not store user passwords as part of named connections, as doing so would create a potential security breach.


Browse

Displays the Windows Browse common dialog box, where you can search folders for the file you want.


Connections list

Displays existing named connections, and enables you to select connections to modify or delete.


New (connection)

Clears this dialog box, so you can specify a name, type, and data location for a new named connection.


Delete (connection)

Deletes the selected named connection. Deleted connections are not recoverable, and must be recreated.


Save (connection)

Saves a newly created connection to the name shown in the Name edit box.


Select Table To Be Added dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Select Table To Be Added dialog box, where you can specify tables and databases (for SQL connections), or tables and files (for other connection types) to be used in your report.

Note:	Although the basic function and usage of this dialog box remains the same regardless of the type of connection used, the actual appearance will vary slightly, as noted in pop-up Help in the graphic below.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


File Groups

Displays all file groups defined within a data dictionary view. This option is available only when an association exists between ReportSmith and a data dictionary, and is unavailable through Borland Delphi.


Files (Tables)

Lists available files (tables) of the type and at the location you specified. In the case of a remote SQL connection, this list is labeled “Tables.”


Directories (Table Owners)

For local or LAN data sources, lists the directories of the selected disk drive. If you have selected a named connection, displays the directory associated with that connection. For remote SQL connections, this box is titled “Table Owners” and lists tables available in the specified database connection.


File and Directory

Lists the selected table or file and the current directory or database connection.


Database (for SQL connections only)

If you have established a SQL database connection lists the database(s) available under the specified connection type or named connection. This area is blank for non-SQL data sources.


Type

Lists connection types supported by ReportSmith, and enables you to specify the appropriate connection type for your report.


Drives (Servers)

Lists all local and network drives connected to your computer, and enables you to select the appropriate drive to access the data for your report. For remote SQL connections, this list is titled “Servers,” and lists SQL servers available under the connection type specified.


Connections

Lists all named and saved data connections, and enables you to select one for quick and easy connection.

Note:	Named connections do not save connections to particular tables or files, but only to directories or servers. Likewise, to preserve security, named connections will not save a user password for those connections requiring a password.


Server Connect

Displays the Get Connection dialog box, prompting you to enter the appropriate server name, your user ID, and your user password.

Using the Get Connection Dialog Box

Settings in this dialog box depend on the database type you specify. In most cases you will enter the Server name, User ID, and Password. However, for some database types such as Ingres or dBASE, the dialog box prompts you for information specific to those database types.

To create a connection for a new report, save a new report and ReportSmith automatically saves the user name, data path and database table name for you. The next time you create a new report, ReportSmith remembers the last data source you connected to and automatically displays that connection information. You can cancel it if you intend to use a different data source.

Note:	You do not need a user-defined connection to connect to a table.


Report Query - SQL dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Report Query - SQL dialog box, where you can view, copy, or edit the Structured Query Language (SQL) text making up your report query.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


SQL Text display

Displays, for viewing or copying only, the SQL text making up the current report query.


Copy (SQL text)

Copies the selected SQL text to the Windows Clipboard.


Edit SQL

Displays the Report Query - Edit SQL dialog box, where you can modify the SQL text making up the current report query.

Caution:	Although you can convert ReportSmith formats to SQL text entry, the reverse is not true. Once a report has been converted to SQL text entry mode, you must directly maintain the SQL text; you cannot convert this report back to ReportSmith format.


Report Query - Edit SQL dialog box
Report Query - Edit SQL / Edit Derived Fields dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Report Query - Edit SQL dialog box, where you can modify the SQL text making up the current report query.

Note:	This dialog box is very similar to the Edit Derived Fields dialog box, and the graphic below can be used as a navigation guide to either dialog box.

Warning:	Although you can convert ReportSmith formats to SQL text entry, the reverse is not true. Once a report has been converted to SQL text entry mode, you must directly maintain the SQL text; you cannot convert this report back to ReportSmith format.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Title bar

The title bar of this dialog box is unique, in that it displays “SQL” as part of its title, indicating that the user is directly modifying the SQL query. The title also lists the connection type of the query being edited.


Table - Column Browser / Report Variables

Toggles the list below between tables (and their constituent columns) and user-created report variables. When the list is in Table - Column Browser mode, the first two items listed are active commands, and can be clicked to edit the list; “Clear list” removes all tables from the list, and “Add table to list” displays the Select Table to Add to Browser dialog box (nearly identical to the Select Table To Be Added dialog box used to build report queries).

In Report Variables mode, this list displays all user-created report variables.

Regardless of the mode, you can drag and drop columns or report variables from this list into the SQL editing window at the bottom of the dialog box, to quickly and easily construct SQL queries.

 Click here for instructions on using the Table - Column Browser.


Operators

Presents a drop-down list of several categories of operators to use in constructing an SQL query. The scrollable list below changes to show all available operators of the selected category. Available categories include:

Comparison operators (equal, not equal, greater than, less than, greater/lesser than or equal to, is null, is not null)

Patterns, ranges, and lists (is like, is not like, is between y and z, is not between y and z)

Grouping and logical operators (AND, NOT, OR)

Arithmetic operators (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)

Constants (Text, Date, Time)

SQL statement keywords:

•	Select – selects columns or derived fields

•	Select * – selects all columns in FROM table

•	Select Distinct – eliminates duplicate records

•	From – specifies table from which columns are to be selected

•	Where – specifies selection criteria and table links

•	Order By – specifies ascending sorting criteria

•	Order By … Desc – specifies descending sorting criteria, used with Select Distinct only

•	Order By [criterion 1, criterion 2…] – specifies hierarchy of sorting criteria

•	Group By – specifies criteria for grouping and summarizing data

•	Having [condition] – additional selection criteria for groups

Regardless of the operator category you are using, you can drag and drop an individual operator into the SQL editing window, to quickly and easily create or modify SQL queries.


Functions

Toggles the list below between string functions (converting to uppercase or lowercase) or aggregate functions (presenting a count of rows).


Insert

Places the selected field (table column), operator, or function in the Formula (SQL editing) window.


Test

Runs a test execution of the SQL query, checking for errors. Errors are reported in appropriate messages, while successful execution results in a count of the records selected, and updated listings of tables and fields.


Clear

Clears all text from the Formula (SQL editing) window.


Cut

Cuts selected SQL text to the Windows Clipboard, and removes it from the Formula (SQL editing) window.


Paste

Inserts the contents of the Windows Clipboard (text only) into the Formula (SQL editing) window, at the current location of the cursor.


Undo

Reverses the last action performed in the Formula (SQL editing) window. Multiple-level undo is not supported; you can undo only the last action performed.


Zoom

Enlarges the Formula (SQL editing) window to occupy the entire Report Query - Edit SQL dialog box. When the Formula window has been zoomed, an “Unzoom” button appears at the bottom of the dialog box, to the right of the Help button, to enable you to restore the normal appearance of the dialog box.


Connection

Displays the Select Connection dialog box, where you can select pre-established named connections for use in the Report Query - Edit SQL dialog box, or specify the location of the data you want.

Note:	The Select Connection dialog box does not provide a means of creating or saving named connections, as there is no way for ReportSmith to determine data connections from SQL text you enter. See Help contents for information on creating and saving named connections.


Formula (SQL editing) window

Displays an editable listing of SQL queries as you create them. You can drag and drop query elements from the lists above, or directly enter the appropriate SQL text in this window.


Create New Table Link dialog box

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The graphic below represents the Create New Table Link dialog box, where you can link two tables through shared fields, specifying the nature of the link.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


First table in link

This box lists all tables currently added to the report query, and enables you to select one of them to be the first table in the link. When you select a table in this list, its name appears immediately below the list, and the fields in the selected table appear in the lower list, ready for you to compare them to fields in the second table.


Fields of first table in link

This list displays the fields of the table selected as the first table in the link, and enables you to select a field for comparison to an equivalent field in the second table.


Include unmatched records

When checked, this option lists all records of the selected table, whether or not they correspond to records in any other table.


Second table in link

This box lists all tables currently added to the report query, and enables you to select one of them to be the second table in the link. When you select a table in this list, its name appears immediately below the list, and the fields in the selected table appear in the lower list, ready for you to compare them to fields in the second table.


Fields of second table in link

This list displays the fields of the table selected as the second table in the link, and enables you to select a field for comparison to an equivalent field in the first table.


(Link) Operators

Establishes the nature of the link between the common fields of two tables, first field equals second field, first field is less than second field, first field is less than or equal to second field, first field is greater than second field, or first field is greater than or equal to second field.


Edit Table Link dialog box

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The graphic below represents the Edit Table Link dialog box, where you can modify existing table links. Use the Create New Table Link dialog box to create links.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Master/Detail Reports dialog box

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The graphic below represents the Master/Detail Reports dialog box, where you can add queries to create detail reports, modify or rename existing master or detail reports, or create master/detail links.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Master/Detail report list

Displays a list of existing master/detail reports. “Master Report” is the default name used to reference the master report; it does not reflect the name of the RPT file in which the master report is saved. You can edit this default name to use a more meaningful and easily remembered name. Similarly, as you add detail reports, you can accept ReportSmith’s default names of “Detail Report 1,” “Detail Report 2,” and so on, or assign names of your choosing.


Default Report

Displays the name representing the default report used when inserting headers/footers, borders, and so on.


Add (detail report)

Displays the Report Query - Tables dialog box, where you can add and link the tables that will make up the query for the detail report.


Name (detail report)

Displays the Name Report dialog box, where you can specify a name of your choosing for the selected report.


Delete (detail report)

Deletes the selected detail report. You cannot delete the master report.


Links (detail reports)

Displays the Link Master/Detail Reports dialog box, where you can specify key fields (columns) to use in linking the master report to the selected detail report.


Modify (detail report)

Displays the Report Query - Tables dialog box, reflecting the query making up the selected report. You can then edit the query by adding, removing, or modifying the constituent tables and table links.


Default

Specifies which (of the listed reports) should be used as the default report when inserting headers/footers, borders, and so on. Select the report you want, then choose Default to specify that report as the default when inserting headers/footers.


Name Report dialog box

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The graphic below represents the Name Report dialog box, where you can either accept ReportSmith’s default name for master or detail reports, or specify a name of your choosing.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Name

Initially displays the default name of the selected report, “Master Report” for the master report, or “Detail Report 1…2…3…” for detail reports you have added. You can enter any name of your choosing in this text box.


Link Master/Detail Reports dialog box

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The graphic below represents the Link Master Detail Reports dialog box, where you can specify key fields (columns) to use in linking the master report to the selected detail report.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Master report tables

Lists tables contained in the master report. When you select a table, that table’s fields are displayed in the list below, and those fields become available for use in the Key Fields list, for linking with the detail report.


Master table fields

Lists fields contained in the selected table of the master report. Fields displayed here are available for use in the Key Fields list, for linking with the detail report. (Ordinarily, the key field(s) used represents a shared field in the tables selected in the master and detail reports.)


Add field to key

Adds the selected field to the list of key fields, for use in creating a master/detail link. (Ordinarily, the key field(s) used represents a shared field in the tables selected in the master and detail reports.)


Master Report key fields

Lists the fields selected to be used as key fields in creating a master/detail link.


Remove field from key

Removes the selected field from the list of key fields.


Master/Detail link operator

Indicates the nature of the link between key fields of the master report and detail report. Only one operator is available, the “is equal to” operator. Use of other operators would not generate a true master/detail relationship, with records of the detail report displaying in-depth information regarding a corresponding record of the master report, so this operator is not editable.


Detail report tables

Lists tables contained in the detail report. When you select a table, that table’s fields are displayed in the list below, and those fields become available for use in the Key Fields list, for linking with the master report.


Detail table fields

Lists fields contained in the selected table of the detail report. Fields displayed here are available for use in the Key Fields list, for linking with the master report. (Ordinarily, the key field(s) used represents a shared field in the tables selected in the master and detail reports.)


Detail Report key fields

Lists the fields selected to be used as key fields in creating a master/detail link.


Table Columns dialog box

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The graphic below represents the Table Columns dialog box, where you can specify table columns to include or exclude from your report.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Table

Displays the currently selected table, whose constituent columns are shown in the list below.


Columns

Lists the columns of the selected table, available for inclusion in or exclusion from the report. You can select one, some, or all of the columns listed here, then specify an inclusion option for the selected columns.


Select All

Selects all columns in the list above, after which you can specify an inclusion option for the selected columns.


Assign new alias

Assigns the alias entered in the text box to the selected column, and displays that alias name to the right of the column to which it refers.


Column alias

Displays aliases (alternate names) for displayed table columns. Each alias appears opposite the column to which it refers.


Inclusion options (standard)

These options, available for all connection types, determine whether the selected columns are included in, or excluded from, the report. Unselected columns are included, by default.


Inclusion options (advanced)

These inclusion options appear only when you choose the “Advanced options” button.

Include column’s value only will download column data into your report for display purposes, but excludes the column from use in the report query. Although column(s) cannot be used in the query, they can be used to link master/detail reports.

Include only for use in query causes data not to appear on the report, but that data can be used in the query, or to create table links. If this option is chosen, the column cannot be used to link master/detail reports, nor can its value be displayed in the report.


Report Query -  Selections dialog box

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The graphic below represents the Report Query - Selections dialog box, where you can specify fields (table columns) to include in, or exclude from, your report.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Include records…

This begins your inclusion/exclusion statement, and allows you to construct the selection criteria as you would a sentence in ordinary speech or writing.


Any, All, None, Not All

Clicking this highlighted option displays a list of operators for you to use in building the selection criterion:

Any will place an OR operator between sentences of the selection criterion. If any one of the conditions is met, the record will be included in the report.

All will place an AND operator between sentences of the selection criterion. Every one of the conditions must be met in order for the record to be included in the report.

None places a NOT operator before each sentence of the selection criterion, and an AND operator between them. No condition can be met, or the record will be excluded from the report.

Not All specifies that any portion of the specified conditions can be met, so long as they are not all met. If a record meets every one of those conditions, it will be excluded from the report.


Field type

Click this highlighted option to view a list of available field types, data fields, system fields (date, time, or the like, maintained by ReportSmith and not originating with your database), derived fields, formulae, and report variables.

Note:	System fields appear only after a comparison operator (is equal, is not equal, and so on) has been entered into a sentence. If your report does not contain report variables or derived fields, these items will not appear in the list.


Available fields

Click this highlighted option to select from a list of fields in your report.


Comparison operators

Click this highlighted option to select a logical operator to use in the selection criterion:

Is equal to	Is equal to or greater than	Is greater than	Is equal to or less than	Is less than
Is not equal to	Is not equal to or greater than	Is not greater than	Is not equal to or less than	Is not less than
Is null	Is between	Is patterned like	Is in list
Is not null	Is not between	Is not patterned like	Is not in list


User-specified comparison type

Click this highlighted option to view a list of available field types, data fields, system fields (date, time, or the like, maintained by ReportSmith and not originating with your database), derived fields, formulae, report variables, or user-specified text.

Note:	System fields appear only after a comparison operator (is equal, is not equal, and so on) has been entered into a sentence. If your report does not contain report variables or derived fields, these items will not appear in the list. Likewise, system fields corresponding to dates or times will appear here only if you have specified a date-formatted field for comparison.


User-specified comparison value

Enter a value (or, depending on the types being compared, accept ReportSmith’s proposed value) for use in comparison. If you have specified that a value must or must not be in a list, click this highlighted option to view or edit the list of available values, using the List Editor dialog box.


Exclude duplicate rows

Check this option to avoid displaying records that match selection criteria but display data identical to that shown in a record already displayed.


Test Selections

Tests the specified selection criteria, returning a record count if successful, and an appropriate error message if the selection fails.


List Editor dialog box

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The graphic below represents the List Editor dialog box, where you can edit lists to be used in selection criteria or report variables.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


List

Displays a list of items for use in comparisons in this sentence of the selection criteria. Each sentence must use its own list, which you can build and test for validity in this dialog box.


Item

Displays a drop-down list of list types (text, formula, report variable) from which you can add an item to the list. While you can freely mix item types within the list, you cannot use this dialog box to create report variables; you can only select report variables you have already created in the Report Query - Report Variables dialog box.


List item entry box

This display varies slightly, depending on the item type you have selected. If you have selected “text” as the item type, use this entry box to enter a single line of text, using a maximum of 36 characters. If you select “formula” as the item type, you can use multiple lines to enter your formula before adding it to the list. If you select “report variable” as the item type, you are restricted to selecting from a list of pre-created report variables. While you can freely mix item types within the list, you cannot use this dialog box to create report variables; you can only select report variables you have already created in the Report Query - Report Variables dialog box.


Add (list item)

Adds a new list item to the list of values. This option is active and available only when the item in the List Item entry box is a new item, not already part of the list.


Replace (list item)

Replaces an existing, selected list item with the new item shown in the List Item entry box. This option is available only when the item in the List Item entry box is a new item, not already part of the list.


Test (list)

Tests the values listed for validity within the report. For text items, this option tests whether the specified text occurs within the field shown in the selection criterion. For formulae, the option tests whether the specified formula will produce valid results and use valid parameters. For report variables, it tests whether the report variable is properly defined and will produce valid results.


Delete (list item)

Removes the selected item from the list.


Clear list

Removes all items from the list.


Field Selection Criteria dialog box

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The graphic below represents the Field Selection Criteria dialog box. Use field selection criteria when you want to add fields to your selection statement.

You can also access this dialog box if you select a column and right-click the mouse. Use this method to create a basic selection criteria for a report field from the report surface (without having to navigate through the Report Query dialog boxes.) For example, if you want to select only customers with a CSTMR_ID greater than "100," select that column on the report, right-click the mouse to view the pop-up menu and choose Selection Criteria to view the Field Selection Criteria dialog box.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


View selection criteria for selected field

Click this button to scroll through selection criteria already established for the selected field.


Apply

Applies the selection criterion to the selected field, leaving the dialog box open for the creation and application of additional selection criteria.


Data Sources (ODBC Setup) dialog box

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The graphic below represents the Data Sources (ODBC Setup) dialog box, where you can configure 32-bit ODBC drivers for use with ReportSmith data connections.

Note:	ReportSmith 3.0 does not provide 32-bit ODBC 2.0 drivers, but these are usually included with the database application you’re using.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Data Sources (Drivers)

Lists the Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) drivers installed on your computer system. Note that this list does not reference specific data sources or locations; instead, it lists types of ODBC drivers installed and available for use in connecting to a specific data source.


Setup (ODBC driver)

Displays the ODBC Driver Setup dialog box unique to the driver you selected. Because the setup requirements are different for each ODBC driver, the dialog box will vary depending on the driver selected. See ReportSmith 3.0 print documentation for details on ODBC Driver Setup dialog boxes.


Delete (ODBC driver)

Removes the selected ODBC driver from the list of installed drivers, but does not delete it from the computer system.


Add (ODBC driver)

Displays the Add Data Source dialog box, where you can add installed ODBC drivers to the list of available drivers in the Data Sources (ODBC Setup) dialog box.


Drivers

Displays the Drivers dialog box, where you can add or remove 32-bit ODBC 2.0 drivers.


Options (ODBC)

Displays the ODBC Options dialog box, where you can specify tracing and logging options for ODBC calls.


System DSN

Displays the System Data Sources dialog box, where you can add, delete, or set up data sources with a System DSN (see online Help for ODBC for more information on the System DSN). These data sources are local to a computer, rather than dedicated to a user. The system, or any user having privileges, can use a data source set up with a System DSN.


Add Data Source (Add ODBC Driver) dialog box

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The graphic below represents the Add Data Source (Add ODBC Driver) dialog box, where you can add installed 32-bit ODBC 2.0 drivers to the list of available drivers in the Data Sources (ODBC Setup) dialog box.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Installed ODBC Drivers

Lists ODBC drivers installed on your computer system.


Drivers dialog box

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The graphic below represents the Drivers dialog box, where you can add, delete, or obtain information about installed ODBC drivers.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


About (ODBC driver)

Displays the appropriate ODBC Driver About box for the selected driver. A typical example is shown below.


ODBC Options dialog box

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The graphic below represents the ODBC Options dialog box, where you can specify tracing and logging options for ODBC calls.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Trace ODBC Calls

If checked, the ODBC Driver Manager begins tracing calls to ODBC functions, logging those calls to the log file shown below this option. If cleared, the Driver Manager stops tracing calls to ODBC functions.


Stop Tracing Automatically

When an application terminates ODBC, the ODBC Driver Manager checks whether this box is selected. If it is, the Driver Manager stops tracing calls to ODBC functions and clears the Trace ODBC Calls check box. To start tracing again, you must reselect the Trace ODBC Calls check box and restart your application.


Trace File

The name of the file to which the ODBC Driver Manager writes tracing information. To use a different trace file, choose the Select File button.


Select File

Displays the Select ODBC Trace File dialog box, a variation of the Windows Open File common dialog box. By default, the trace file is located in the directory to which the ODBC driver is pointing, but you can specify another directory and/or file name of your choosing.


Disconnect dialog box

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Connections to data sources exist until you exit ReportSmith or until you explicitly sever connections through the Disconnect dialog box. Use the Disconnect command to free up connections to databases when you have finished using them.

For example, suppose your company has a five-user version of an SQL server running on a LAN (Local Area Network.) A ReportSmith user needs to create two reports, one for the Accounting Department and one for the Sales Department. Each department has a database on the SQL Server. The user must log on to the SQL Server twice, once for the Accounting report (user name, Accounting) and once for the Sales report (user name, Sales.)

SQL Server will now only allow three additional users on the LAN to log on, but by severing the Accounting connection once the Accounting report is no longer needed, the user can free up one of the connections. An additional user can then log on to the SQL Server.

Important:	You cannot disconnect from a data source if you have a report open which uses that connection. Close the report before severing the connection.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Open Connections

Lists all open data connections. Select the connection you want to sever.


Disconnect

Severs the selected connection, freeing it for use by another user.


Open Report dialog box

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The graphic below represents the Open Report dialog box, a slightly modified variation of the Windows Open File commond dialog box. Use this dialog box to open RPT (report) files, as well as to specify whether those files should be run—that is, whether they should be reconstructed using updated data—and whether the report should be displayed in draft mode (minimal formatting, to speed entry and editing) or presentation mode (displayed as it will print).

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.

Note: If you are using ReportSmith 3.0 with Windows NT, use the Network button in the lower right-hand corner of this dialog box to access report files on network drives that have not yet been assigned drive letters. If you are using Windows 95, use the Network Neighborhood to make these assignments.


File list window

Displays a listing of all files (in the current drive and directory) of the specified file type.


File Name

Displays the name of the selected file in the selected drive and directory.


Files of Type

Displays a dropdown list of available file types, with the RPT (report) file type selected by default if you are opening a report, or the .MAC file type if you are opening a macro. The file list window displays only those files of the type selected here.


Folders

Lists the folders of the current drive.


Up one level

Moves the current folder view or drive view up one level.


Create new folder

Creates a new folder within the current folder, and prompts you to enter the new folder name.


Abbreviated file list

Lists only file names (of the selected type) in the current folder, omitting any details.


Detailed file list

Lists details (modification date, attributes, size, and so on) of files of the selected type and in the current folder.


Drives

Displays a dropdown list of all drives (physical, logical, and network) and folders to which your computer is attached.


"What's this?" button

Click this button, then click various parts of this dialog box, to obtain Help while using the dialog box.


Open

Opens the selected file.


Run report

When checked, runs the report with updated data, as that data become available.


Draft mode

When checked, opens the report in draft mode, to expedite entry and editing. If you want to view the report as it will be printed, uncheck this box, to use presentation mode.


Define Groups dialog box

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The graphic below represents the Define Groups dialog box, where you can select fields (or the entire report) on which to base report grouping.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Field types

Toggles among field types represented in your report. The list below reflects the selected field type, and displays only fields of the selected type.


Fields

The selected field in this becomes the basis for report grouping. Only fields of the specified field type are listed here.


Defined groups

Lists the report groups already defined for the active report. The “Entire Report” group will always be listed, as this grouping option is available as soon as you create a report.


New Group

Creates a new report group, based on the selected field.


Remove Group

Removes the group selected in the Defined Groups list. Note that this might not correspond to the selected field.


Group Properties

Displays the Group Properties dialog box, where you can specify grouping options such as suppression of duplicated values, and grouping by similar values or a specified number of values.


Group Properties dialog box

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The graphic below represents the Group Properties dialog box, where you can specify grouping options such as suppression of duplicate values, and grouping by similar values or by a specified number of values per group.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Group Name

Displays the name of the group whose properties are being set.


Group by

Specifies whether groups should be constructed by similar data value in the specified field (regardless of the resulting group size), or whether groups should be constructed every x values, regardless of what those values are.


Suppress if Duplicated

Lists all field in the report, and enables you to select those fields wherein you don’t want to display recurrent information. For example, if you group by department, you might prefer to have only the first occurrence of “Sales” shown, rather than having it shown in ever record.


Suppress

Suppresses duplicate records in the selected field.


Reset

Removes all suppression setting, and reverts to default grouping by similar values. After resetting group properties, you can again specify grouping and suppression settings of your choosing.


Header/Footer dialog box

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The graphic below represents the Header/Footer dialog box, where you can whether to insert a header or footer, and which group the header/footer should be based upon.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Group name

Lists the groups for which you can insert a header/footer.


Group type

Specifies whether to insert a group header or footer.


Report Query - Database Grouping dialog box

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The graphic below represents the Report Query - Database Grouping dialog box, where you can specify options and settings to filter and group data before loading it into a report.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Group data before loading into report

When checked, this option enables database grouping options.


Database grouping order

Fields of the selected database or table file are listed here in the order in which they will be grouped (grouping is hierarchical by the order shown here).


Move field up in list

Moves the selected field up in both listing and grouping order. (Grouping is hierarchical by the order shown in this dialog box.) This option is unavailable if you have selected the uppermost field.


Move field down in  list

Moves the selected field down in both listing and grouping order. (Grouping is hierarchical by the order shown in this dialog box.) This option is unavailable if you have selected the lowermost field.


Include/Exclude field in grouping

Includes or excludes selected field from the grouping hierarchy. (Grouping is hierarchical by the order shown in this dialog box.)


Test

Tests the specified grouping hierarchy for validity in an SQL query. Reports success or an error message upon failure.


Group selection criteria

Enables you to specify selection criteria for database grouping.


Data Value Aliases dialog box

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The graphic below represents the Data Value Aliases dialog box, where you can specify aliases for crosstab row or column values.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Data Values

Lists data values of the crosstab rows or columns (depending on which option you are setting), and enable you to select a data value to alias.


Alias

Lists data value aliases, opposite the data value each alias references.


Enter or edit data value alias

Use this text entry box to enter a new alias, or edit an existing alias, for the data value shown to the left.


Data value to alias

Displays the data value for which you are entering or editing an alias.


Assign

Assigns the alias you entered or edited to the selected data value.


Remove

Removes the selected data value alias.


Remove All

Removes all data value aliases.


Report Query - Sorting dialog box

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The graphic below represents the Report Query - Sorting dialog box, where you can sort data columns in a report in ascending or descending order (based on the data type contained in that column), combining and interrelating these actions to create a logical sort order for your report data.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Sort list

Lists the fields, in order, by which the report data will be sorted in ascending or descending order. This listing is hierarchical – that is, the data will first be sorted according to the uppermost field listed. Withing that sorting order, data will further be sorted according to the second field listed, and so on.


Remove from sort list

Removes the selected field from the sort list.


Sort order

Specifies whether data in the selected sort field should be sorted in ascending or descending order.


Report fields

Lists all fields represented in the report, enabling you to select one or more fields by which to sort report data.


Insert into sort list

Inserts the selected report field into the sort list, at the bottom of the list. The sort list is hierarchical, so report fields should be selected and placed into the sort list in the order in which you want to sort report data.


Report Query - Report Variables dialog box

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The graphic below represents the Report Query - Report Variables dialog box, where you can create or edit report variables, dialog boxes that prompt the report user for entries to refine and restrict which report data is displayed.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Report variables

Lists all defined report variables associated with this report.


Delete

Deletes the selected report variable, as well as its definition. You must recreate the report variable to reuse it in this report.


Save

Saves the selected report variable, and its definition.


Name

Names the report variable, for future reference in this and other ReportSmith dialog boxes.

Important:	Names must begin with a letter, and must contain only letters, numbers, and underscore characters (___). No other characters are allowed in report variable names. Names are case-sensitive, so when using a variable name in a selection or derived-field formula, you must enter the report variable’s name exactly as it was originally created.


Type

Opens a dropdown list of available report variable types:

Type	Description
String	Accepts any characters as user response, or enables user to select from a pre-determined list of values.
Number	Accepts any numerical characters as user response, or enables user to select from a pre-determined list of values.
Date	Requires users to enter or select a date, in response to the report variable.
Time	Requires users to enter or select a time of day, in response to the report variable.
Date and Time	Requires users to enter or select both a date and a time of day, in response to the report variable.
Entry options, shown in the lower right corner of the dialog box, will vary depending on the type you have selected for the report variable.


Title

Specifies the title of the report variable, as it will be displayed in the title bar when the dialog box appears.


Prompt

Specifies the prompt text displayed to the user in the dialog box.


Entry options

This area of the dialog box varies, depending on the type you have selected for the report variable. The drop-down list will contain some combination of the following choices:

Type-in

Choose from a list

Choose from a table

Choose between two values


Entry options - type-in

This area of the dialog box varies, depending on the type you have selected for the report variable. The drop-down list will contain some combination of the following choices:

Type-in, as shown in the graphic below.

Choose from a list

Choose from a table

Choose between two values

Click the graphic below for more information, or click here to return to the Report Query - Report Variable dialog box.


Maximum size

Use this option to set, or directly enter, the maximum number of characters the report variable will accept as user input.


Entry options - Choose from a list

This area of the dialog box varies, depending on the type you have selected for the report variable. The drop-down list will contain some combination of the following choices:

Type-in

Choose from a list, as shown in the graphic below.

Choose from a table

Choose between two values

Click the graphic below for more information, or click here to return to the Report Query - Report Variable dialog box.


Allowed values

Displays the values making up the list from which the user can select. Only those values you explicitly enter into this list are displayed and made available by the report variable.


Value list entry box

Enter values here that you want displayed and made available in the report-variable list. Values are case-sensitive; “jones” is different from “Jones”.


Delete

Removes the selected value from the list of allowed report variable list values.


Add

Adds the value shown in the Value List entry box to the list of allowed values.


Replace

Replaces the selected value (in the list of allowed report-variable list values) with the value shown in the Value List entry box.


Entry options - Choose from a table

This area of the dialog box varies, depending on the type you have selected for the report variable. The drop-down list will contain some combination of the following choices:

Type-in

Choose from a list

Choose from a table, as shown in the graphic below.

Choose between two values

Click the graphic below for more information, or click here to return to the Report Query - Report Variable dialog box.


Load data from table

Displays the table file from which users can select report-variable values.


Display value from field

Shows the field (in the table shown) from which values will be used for display purposes.

Note:	Display values need not coincide with values used for selection purposes.


Use value from field

Shows the field (in the table shown) from which values will be used for selection purposes.

Note, Selection values need not coincide with values used for display purposes.


Select Table

Displays the Select List Table for Report Variable dialog box, virtually identical to the Select Table to be Added dialog box, where you can specify data tables to be used for report-variable purposes.


Select Field

Displays the Report Variable dialog box, where you can specify fields (of the selected table only) for display and selection purposes in report variables.


Entry options - Choose between two values

This area of the dialog box varies, depending on the type you have selected for the report variable. The drop-down list will contain some combination of the following choices:

Type-in

Choose from a list

Choose from a table

Choose between two values, as shown in the graphic below.

Note:	The “Choose between two values” entry option makes available two sub-options, create a message box, or create a dialog box. If you choose to create a message box, you need only specify the data values associated with a Yes-type button and a No-type button. If you create a dialog box, you will need to specify both the label text (prompt) and data value associated with each of two radio buttons. Because creating a dialog box is a slightly more complex task, that sub-option is shown in the graphic below.

Click the graphic below for more information, or click here to return to the Report Query - Report Variable dialog box.


Prompt

This text represents the label for one of the two radio buttons that will appear in the complete dialog box. Because radio buttons represents mutually exclusive choices, if the user selects this radio button, the other is automatically deselected.


Value

This text represents the actual data value used by the report variable, when the user selects the associated radio button and choose OK, in the completed dialog box.


Report Variable dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Report Variable dialog box, where you can specify fields (of the table selected in the Report Query - Report Variables dialog box) for display and selection purposes in report variables.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Display value from field

Enables you to select the field from which values will be used for display to the user.

Note, Selection values need not coincide with values used for display purposes.


Use value from field

Enables you to select the field from which value will be used for selection purposes, in the report variable.

Note, Selection values need not coincide with values used for display purposes.


Value

Tests the selected report variable by creating the message box or dialog box specified.


New report variable

Clears all entry boxes of the dialog box, preparing them to accept new values for report-variable definition.


Report Query - Derived Fields dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Report Query - Derived Fields dialog box, where you can define report fields derived either through Structured Query Language (SQL), or the ReportBasic macro language. Derived fields do not exist in the original data source (table or database); instead, they are created by gathering and manipulating data from existing fields, to create a new report field.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Defined Derived Fields

Lists all derived fields in this report, regardless of whether those fields are derived through SQL queries, ReportBasic macros, or both.


Derived Field Name

Use this text entry box to create a name for new derived fields. It’s good practice to avoid using names that will likely be duplicated elsewhere, such as “Total.”


Defined by…

Determines whether the new derived field will be created through an SQL query (taking the original data and manipulating it before loading it into the report) or through a ReportBasic macro (taking report data already loaded, and manipulating that data to create a new report field).

Important:	Be sure to make your selection here before adding a new derived field to the list.

If you choose “Defined by SQL,” the Edit Derived Field dialog box appears, identical in appearance and functionality to the Edit SQL dialog box, where you can edit the SQL query used to created the derived field.

If you choose “Defined by ReportBasic macro,” the Choose Macro dialog box appears, identical to the Macro Commands dialog box, where you can load and edit an existing macro or create a new macro, to use in creating the derived field.


Edit (derived field)

Displays either the Edit Derived Field dialog box (similar to the Edit SQL dialog box, and used for SQL-derived fields), or the Choose Macro dialog box. In either case, you can use the resulting dialog box to edit the derivation formula as appropriate, then save it to modify the selected derived field.


Remove (derived field)

Removes the selected derived field from the list of existing derived fields in this report. You must recreate the derived field and its derivation formula to use it again.


Add (derived field)

Adds the new derived field name, shown in the Derived Field Name text entry box, to the list of existing derived fields in this report.

Note:	This option is available only when a new name is entered in the Derived Field Name text entry box.


Crosstab Report dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Crosstab Report dialog box, where you can define crosstabs and specify options pertaining to the crosstab as a whole, or crosstab rows, columns, or values.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Fields

Lists all fields (of the selected type) represented in your report. You can drag and drop fields from this list into the Columns, Rows, or Values lists to define your crosstab.


Styles

Displays the Crosstab Styles dialog box, where you can select a system (supplied by ReportSmith) or custom style for your crosstab.


Options

Displays the Crosstab Report Options dialog box, where you can specify options affecting the crosstab as a whole.


Delete

Deletes the selected item from the fields list.


Title

Enter the name of the crosstab. This name appears at the top of the crosstab, and is independent of the report name in which a crosstab is entered.


Description

Enter a description of the crosstab, for reference purposes.

Note:	This feature is optional; it does not show up on the report surface.


Rows

The first field listed as a crosstab row becomes the primary row—for example, “ProductCat” as the first row listing would list product categories in rows. Each subsequent row listing becomes a subset of the field immediately above it. For example, listing “EmpLastName” below “ProductCat” would create primary row headings by category, with each employee’s last name listed and grouped within each product category.


(Row) Options

Displays the Crosstab Row Options dialog box, where you can specify options affecting only the selected crosstab row.


Delete (row)

Removes the selected crosstab row.


Delete (column)

Removes the selected crosstab column.


Delete (value)

Removes the selected crosstab value.


(Column) Options

Displays the Crosstab Column Options dialog box, where you can specify options affecting only the selected crosstab column.


Columns

The fields in the Columns box determine how the data will be grouped within each row. In this example, you might list “Date” as the column field. This will produce a crosstab report with dates as column heads (perhaps grouped by quarters), with product categories as primary row headings, and employees’ last names as secondary row headings within each group delineated by the product categories.


Values

The fields placed in this box represent the values to be displayed across each row. In this example, you might drag a field named “Amount” or “Quantity” (representing each salesperson’s dollar sales per quarter) into the Values box. Assuming the relevant tables are properly linked, the crosstab report will now show sales amounts per salesperson per quarter.


Default

Applies the default crosstab style to the current crosstab.


(Value) Options

Displays the Crosstab Value Options dialog box, where you can specify options affecting only the selected crosstab column.


Crosstab Options dialog box
Crosstab Report Options dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Crosstab Report Options dialog box, where you can specify options affecting the crosstab as a whole.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


General Options

Option	Description
Totals	Displays totals (for both rows and columns, if appropriate) in the crosstab.
Labels	Displays labels for rows, columns, and totals in the crosstab.
Fix cell size	Uses a fixed cell size in the crosstab.
Format Pct	Uses a “XX%” format for percentage values.


Value field arrangement

Option	Description
Inside columns	Places value field labels inside (below) column labels.
Outside columns	Places value field labels outside (above) column labels.
Inside rows	Place value field labels inside (to the right of) row labels.
Outside rows	Places value field labels outside (to the left of) row labels.


Alternate total heading

Enter text to use as a label for total fields. The default is “Total”.


Null Value String

Enter text to display in those fields with null values. The default is “0” (zero).


Crosstab Row Options dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Crosstab Row options dialog box, where you can specify options affecting only the selected crosstab row.

Note:	The dialog box shown here represents what you will see for a Character-type field, but this dialog box can vary depending on the field type. For an example of the dialog box for a Date-type field, see Crosstab Column Options dialog box, and for an example of the dialog box for a Numeric-type field, see Crosstab Value Options dialog box.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Name

Name of the crosstab element (row, column, or value) for which you are setting options.


Type

Type (Character, Date, Numeric, and so on) of the crosstab element (row, column, or value) for which you are setting options.


Label

This area is optional. If you want to, you can specify an alternate label for the crosstab element (row, column, or value) for which you are setting options.


Subtotal heading

(Optional) Enter text to use as a label for subtotals. The subtotal label is blank, by default.


Sort order

ReportSmith automatically sorts and regenerates the crosstab, according to the sort option you select here. If you specify a custom sort order, you must enter the sorting hierarchy (for example, “Action, Cartoons” as a sorting order for a report on video sales) in the Custom Values entry box, separating them with commas.


Calculation

Displays a drop-down list of calculations you can perform on the selected crosstab element (row, column, or value).

Calculation	Description
Sum	Calculates the total of all values in the selected crosstab element. (This is the default calculation.)
Average	Averages (arithmetic mean) all values in the selected crosstab element.
Maximum	Calculates the greatest value in the selected crosstab element.
Minimum	Calculates the least value in the selected crosstab element.
Count	Counts the number of records.


Crosstab Column Options dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Crosstab Column options dialog box, where you can specify options affecting only the selected crosstab column.

Note:	The dialog box shown here represents what you will see for a Date-type field, but this dialog box can vary depending on the field type. For an example of the dialog box for a Character-type field, see Crosstab Row Options dialog box, and for an example of the dialog box for a Numeric-type field, see Crosstab Value Options dialog box.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Date options

Use the leftmost boxes to set a start date to use in the selected crosstab element (row, column, or value) and the rightmost boxes to set an end date.


Group by

By default, ReportSmith will group date fields by quarter, but you can also choose to group by Same Value, Daily, Weekly, Monthly, or Annually.


First month of year

This option appears when you choose to group dates quarterly or annually. Set this option to match the first month of your fiscal year.


Format

Use this dropdown list to choose the format of dates in the crosstab. The particular choices available will vary depending on the selection you made in the Group By option.


Display range

Check this option if you are displaying records corresponding to a specified date range.


Crosstab Value Options dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Crosstab Value options dialog box, where you can specify options affecting only the selected crosstab value.

Note:	The dialog box shown here represents what you will see for a Numeric-type field, but this dialog box can vary depending on the field type. For an example of the dialog box for a Character-type field, see Crosstab Row Options dialog box, and for an example of the dialog box for a Date-type field, see Crosstab Column Options dialog box.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Summary Heading

Enter text to use as a label for summary fields in the selected crosstab element (row, column, or value).


Shown value

These choices affect how values are displayed in the report:

Option	Description
Values	Displays values only, with no calculation as to the ratio of these values to row, column, or crosstab totals.
Percent of row	Each value is shown as a percentage of the total for that row. Each row total is then shown as “100%.”
Percent of column	Each value is shown as a percentage of the total for that column. Each column total is then shown as “100%.”
Percent of total	Each value is shown as a percentage of the total for the entire crosstab. The grand total is shown in the lower right cell of the crosstab; row totals represent the percentage of grand total for that row, while column totals represent the percentage of grand total for that column.


Edit

Applies only when you have created a calculated field in the Crosstab Report dialog box. This option displays the Calculated Field dialog box, where you can create or modify formulae to define calculated fields.


Calculated Field dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Calculated Field dialog box, where you can create or edit formulae to use in creating calculated fields for use in crosstabs.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Name

Enter a name for a new calculated field. If you are editing an existing calculated field, this box will display the name of the field being edited.


Available fields

Displays a list of report fields used in the same crosstab element (row, column, or value) as the calculated field. The listed report fields can then be dragged and dropped into the Formula window to build a formula for the calculated field.


Operator category

For calculated fields, “Arithmetic” is the only available operator category.


Operators

Lists available operators in the selected category. (For calculated fields, “Arithmetic” is the only available operator category.) Drag and drop an operator into the Formula window as needed to build a formula for creating a calculated field.


Function categories

Toggles the list below among ReportBasic commands available for use in creating calculated fields. The available categories are:

Basic functions (which return values)

Basic statements (which need not return values)

Branching and looping statements (which create conditional or repetitive code execution)


Function/statement list

Lists available functions, statements, or branching/looping statements for use in creating calculated fields. The list items will vary depending on the category you have selected in the dropdown list.


Insert

Inserts the selected item into the Formula (editing) window.


Clear

Clears all text in the Formula (editing) window.


Cut

Cuts the selected text in the Formula (editing) window to the Windows Clipboard.


Copy

Copies the selected text in the Formula (editing) window to the Windows Clipboard, but does not remove it from the Formula window.


Paste

Pastes the Windows Clipboard contents (text only) at the cursors’ location in the Formula (editing) window.


Undo

Reverses the last action. You can undo only the last action; multi-level undo is not supported.


Zoom

Zooms the Formula (editing) window to occupy the entire dialog box, and adds an “Unzoom” button in the lower right corner of the window.


Formula (editing) window

Displays the formula for your macro or calculated field, as you build it. You can drag and drop formula elements (fields, operators, functions, or statements) into the Formula window to build a calculated field definition or ReportBasic macro.


Test

Tests the macro or calculated-field formula, either reporting success or providing information on the nature of any error that occurs.


Crosstab Styles dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Crosstab Style dialog box, where you can apply system (supplied by ReportSmith) or custom report styles to your crosstab.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Text Alignment dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Text Alignment dialog box, where you can specify alignment options for the text within report elements. (This dialog box does not align the report elements themselves.)

You can also align text by using the text alignment buttons on the ReportSmith ribbon.


Align toolbox

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Align toolbox, where you can specify alignment options for report elements. (This dialog box does not align text within report elements, use the Text Alignment dialog box to align text.)

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Align tops

Align to the top-most field in the selection.


Align vertical centers

Align to the vertical center of the selected group.


Align bottoms

Align to the bottom-most field in the selected group.


Align left

Align to the left-most field in the selected group.


Align horizontal centers

Align to the horizontal centerpoint of the selected fields.


Align right

Align to the right-most field of the selected group.


Reduce horizontal space

Reduce horizontal space equally between selected fields.

Each time you click this button, ReportSmith moves fields closer together, one pixel at a time.


Equalize horizontal spacing

Equalize horizontal spacing within the selected area.


Increase horizontal space

Increase horizontal space equally between selected fields.

Each time you click this button ReportSmith moves fields farther apart, one pixel at a time.


Reduce vertical spacing

Reduce vertical space equally between selected fields.

Each time you click this button, ReportSmith moves fields closer together, one pixel at a time.


Equalize vertical spacing

Equalize vertical spacing within the selected area.


Increase vertical spacing

Increase vertical space equally between selected fields.

Each time you click this button ReportSmith moves fields farther apart, one pixel at a time.


Align to baseline

Align fields to a common baseline.

The baseline is the line the letters appear to rest on, as opposed to the text or column boundary.


Arrange fields horizontally

Arrange fields horizontally, in a row aligned to the baseline of the lowermost field.

Important:	This function is order-dependent; fields are arranged in the order selected, with the first selected
displayed as the leftmost field in the row..


Stack fields

Stack fields vertically, in a column aligned to the boundary of the right-most field you selected. This function is order-dependent; fields are arranged in the order selected, with the first field selected displayed as the uppermost field in the stack.


Macro Commands dialog box

 Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Macro Command dialog box, where you can edit active macros (whether or not they have been saved as *.MAC files), load *.MAC files, or create new global or report-level macros.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information, or click here to view macro-language Help.


Macro name

Displays the name of the selected active macro, or enables you to enter the name of a new macro.


Active macros

Lists all macros active in the currently active report. These macros need not necessarily have been saved as *.MAC files. This list will change, depending on whether you have chosen to list global macros (those that apply to all reports or to the application itself) or report-level macros (those that apply only to this report).


Macro types

Select Report Macros to view only those macros that are unique to this report and do not apply to any other report or to ReportSmith itself. Select Global Macros to view those macros that apply to all reports or to ReportSmith itself.


New (macro)

Displays the Edit Macro dialog box, where you can create and edit the ReportBasic formula making up your macro.

Note:	This option is available only when you have entered a new, unused macro name in the Macro Name entry box.


Run (macro)

Runs the selected macro.

Tip:	When creating new macros, test them first (in the Edit Macro dialog box) to ensure that they are error-free, before running them here.


Load (macro)

Loads a macro that has been saved as a .MAC file. Only those macros saved to files can be loaded.


Remove (macro)

Removes the selected macro from the list of active macros.


Save (macro) as…

Enables you to save a macro under a different file name (but retaining the MAC file extension) and/or location.


Save (macro)

Enables you to save changes to a macro, using its existing file name and location. If you have not previously saved the selected macro to a file, this option displays the Windows Save As common dialog box, prompting you for a file name and location.


Edit (macro)

Displays the Edit Macro dialog box, where you can create or edit the ReportBasic formula making up the selected macro.


Links

Displays the Macro Links dialog box, where you can link the selected macro to report-level or application-level events.


Description (macro)

You can enter an optional description of the selected macro here, for easy reference as to the macro’s purpose.


Update Description

When you enter or change a macro description, choose Update Description to update the description and associate the new description with the selected macro.


Macro Links dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Macro Links dialog box, where you can link macros to events that will generate execution of those macros. The events can be at the application level or at the report level.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information, or click here to view macro-language Help.


Link for [XXX] / Link Number

Shows the macro being linked to an event, and the number of the active link for this macro. (Each macro can be assigned multiple links.)


Object type

Displays a dropdown list of available link types. The available types of links vary, depending on whether you linking a global or report-level macro. Global macros can be linked only to the Application object type, while report-level macros can be linked to report objects, data fields, or group headers/footers.


Event

Displays a dropdown list of particular events (of the type specified in the list above), from which you can choose an event to which to link the current macro. This list will vary, depending on the object type you have selected.


Set Parameters

Displays the Edit Macro Parameters dialog box, where you can set macro parameters, if they are used in the current macro.


Link

Creates or updates the link between the current macro and the selected event.


Unlink

Breaks the link between the current macro and the selected event.


Previous link

Changes the display to show the previous (next lower number, if any) link for the current macro.


Next link

Changes the display to show the next (next higher numbered) link, if any, for the current macro.


Item

Depending on the event you have selected for linking, you may need to specify a particular item in this list. For example, if you link the macro to a keystroke, you will need to specify which key should be pressed; if you link to a menu item selection, you will need to specify the appropriate menu command.


Edit Macro dialog box

  RelatedTopics

The graphic below represents the Edit Macro dialog box, where you can create or edit formulae to use in creating macros for use in crosstabs.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information, or click here to view macro-language Help.


Available fields

Displays a list of report fields used in this report. The listed report fields can then be dragged and dropped into the Formula window to build a formula for the macro.


Operator category

Displays a dropdown list of  available operator categories.


Operators

Lists available operators in the selected category. Drag and drop an operator into the Formula window as needed to build a formula for creating a macro.


Set Default Parameter

Displays the Edit Macro Parameters dialog box, where you can specify default parameters for those macros requiring parameters.


Edit Macro Parameters dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Edit Macro Parameters dialog box, where you can specify or modify default parameters for those macros requiring parameters.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information, or click here to view macro-language Help.


Default Parameters

Enter default macro parameters here, in exactly the same order that they will occur and be used in the macro.


Clear Parameters

Clears all parameters from the parameter entry box.


Using the ReportSmith toolbar and ribbon

  Related Topics

Many of the most frequently used menu commands also appear as buttons on the ReportSmith toolbar and ribbon. Additionally, a few of the buttons found here have no direct menu equivalents and provide the only means of accessing the functionality they control. By becoming familiar with the buttons on the toolbar and the ribbon, you can speed your work by making use of these handy shortcuts.

Click any part of the graphic below (representing the ReportSmith toolbar), for more information.

Note:	If you have selected the "Can grow" and/or "Can shrink" options for various report fields and then resized those fields, the toolbar acquires a "Repaginate entire report" button on the right-hand end of the toolbar:

Click any part of the graphic below (representing the ReportSmith ribbon), for more information.


New report

Displays the Create A New Report dialog box, with report (.RPT) files as the default file type. Equivalent to choosing File | New.


Open report

Displays the Open Report dialog box, where you can open existing report (.RPT) files. Equivalent to choosing File | Open, or pressing Ctrl + F12.


Save report

Displays the Windows Save common dialog box, with report (.RPT) files as the default file type. Equivalent to choosing File | Save or pressing Shift + F12.


Print report

Prints the active report, using current print options and settings.

Note, This toolbar button is not equivalent to choosing the File | Print menu command, and does not prompt for print settings before printing.


Zoom, whole page

Scales the view of the report to display the entire report page in the window. Equivalent to choosing View | Zoom, then choosing the Whole Page option.


Zoom, 100%

Scales the view of the report to display the report page at 100% magnification level (a 1:1 ratio). Equivalent to choosing View | Zoom, then choosing the 100% option.


Zoom, page width

Scales the view of the report to display the report page across the entire width of the window. Equivalent to choosing View | Zoom, then choosing the Page Width option.


Column Editing mode

Puts the active report in Column Editing mode, so you can move entire columns (and their heads) across the report page. Use Field Editing mode to move individual fields within columns.


Field Editing mode

Puts the active report in Field Editing mode, so you can move individual fields within columns. Use Column Editing mode to move or reorder entire columns on the report page.


Insert header

Sorts and groups the selected column, and inserts a group header.


Insert footer

Sort and groups the selected column, and inserts a group or report footer.


Ascending sort

Sorts the selected column in ascending order.


Descending sort

Sort the selected column in descending order.


Sum

Sums the selected column, and adds a new group-footer entry to display the results.


Average

Averages values in the selected column in each group, displaying the result in each group footer.


Minimum

Finds the least value in the selected column in each group, displaying the result in each group footer.


Maximum

Finds the greatest value in the selected column in each group, displaying the result in each group footer.


Count

Counts the number of items in the selected column in each group, displaying the result in each group footer.


Merge reports

Merges the selected reports into a single report. You must first open both reports to be merged.


SQL

Displays and edits the SQL query text for the active report.

Warning:	Once a report has been converted to SQL text, it cannot be converted back to report format.


Best fit for columns

Automatically resizes column width for the best fit around the items in those columns.


Font

Lists all fonts installed on your computer system, and enables you to choose a font to use for the selected report element. Equivalent to choosing Format | Font.


Point size

Specifies the point size to use in conjunction with the selected font. (Each point is roughly 1/72 of an inch, or 3.47 millimeters.) Equivalent to choosing Format | Font.


Bold

Sets text in the selected report element in bold type. Equivalent to choosing Format | Font.


Italic

Sets text in the selected report element in italic type. Equivalent to choosing Format | Font.


Underline

Sets text in the selected report element in underlined type. Equivalent to choosing Format | Font.


Align left

Aligns text in the selected report element flush left, ragged right. Equivalent to choosing Format | Text Alignment.


Align center

Horizontally centers text within the selected report element. Equivalent to choosing Format | Text Alignment.


Align right

Aligns text in the selected report element flush right, ragged left. Equivalent to choosing Format | Text Alignment.


Format as currency

Formats numbers in the selected field as currency. Equivalent to choosing Format | Fields, and selecting the currency format.


Format as general numeric

Formats numbers in the selected field as a general numeric format. Equivalent to choosing Format | Fields, and selecting the numeric format.


Format as percentage

Formats numbers in the selected field as  percentages. Equivalent to choosing Format | Fields, and selecting the percentage format.


Insert text block

Inserts a single- or multi-line block of text wherever the mouse is clicked. This enables you to position report text independently of any particular report element or formatting.

Note:	This ribbon button has no direct menu equivalent.


Insert picture

Displays the Picture dialog box, where you can select a picture image to display in the report Equivalent to choosing Insert | Picture.


Insert graph

Inserts a graph at the cursor’s location. The particular data series used in the graph, as well as the graph type, will vary depending on the columns you chose to graph.

Important:	You must have Microsoft Graph installed on your computer system to graph report data.


Insert crosstab

Inserts a crosstab at the cursor’s location.


Style Extractor

Click the style extractor, then click a field or section whose formatting you want to copy. Move to the field or section where you want the formatting copied, and click. The Style Extractor copies the style (formatting choices) of the original field or section to the new field or section.

Note:	The Style Extractor has no menu equivalent.


Report Styles

Displays the Report Styles dialog box, where you can use apply system (supplied by ReportSmith) or custom report styles (sets of formatting choices) to the active report.


Options dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Options dialog box, where you can set data access options, font options, field-listing options, and other options that will affect the functionality of the entire ReportSmith application (independently of any report you may have open).

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Dynamic Data Access options

Sets Dynamic Data Access parameters that control which resources ReportSmith uses to store and move data.


Startup options

You can choose to have ReportSmith prompt you to load an existing report, prompt you to create a new report, or open with no report at all, upon startup.


Measurement / ruler options

The ReportSmith rulers provide a handy way to gauge the size of your report page as it will be printed. You can choose to display inches or centimeters, or you can turn off the ruler display.

You can also set the granularity, or number of screen pixels per measurement unit. The default number is 300, and most systems will perform better at granularities of 300 or above. Granularity settings must be between 75 and 800.

Note that changes made to these settings will not be displayed in any report you already have open, until that report is closed and reopened.


List fields alphabetically

You can choose to have table fields listed alphabetically, rather than in the order they may actually occur within the tables. After choosing this option, the next time you load a table and its fields into a report, those fields will be listed alphabetically. However, you can still manually rearrange columns by dragging and dropping them.


Font options

You can choose which font types you want ReportSmith to use in displaying and printing reports.

Option	Description
Screen fonts	ReportSmith will use only those fonts designed for use on the screen. When printing, Windows will then search for the closest match possible if an exact match cannot be found. This can result in a printed report differing somewhat from the displayed version.
Printer fonts	ReportSmith will list and use only those fonts designed for use in a printer. Windows will then substitute the closest possible match in a display (screen) font, if an exact match cannot be found. This can result in a printed report differing somewhat from the displayed version.
Screen and Printer fonts	ReportSmith will list and use all fonts installed on your computer system, matching screen and printer font names whenever possible, to ensure the closest possible match between displayed and printed versions of a report.
TrueType fonts	ReportSmith will list and use only TrueType fonts, which appear the same on the screen and the printed versions, and across different printer types. Using TrueType fonts ensures an exact match between displayed and printed reports, but they are somewhat slower to print than conventional printer fonts.


Connection file

Use this entry box to specify a name and location for the ReportSmith connection file.


Picture file search path

Use this entry box to specify a default location to search when inserting pictures into a report.


Row Height dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Row Height dialog box, where you can specify row height, whether rows can grow or shrink to accommodate contents, and whether rows can split across report pages.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Row or Field Height

Use the arrows, or directly enter a number, to set the height of each row or field of the report. If you have selected the "Can grow" option, this number represents the minimum height of each row or field; if you have selected the "Can shrink" options, this number represents the maximum height of each row or field. If you have selected both "Can grow" and "Can shrink" options, this option is unavailable.

Note:	The row or field height setting affects spacing between rows throughout the entire report, and can thus affect both page breaks and page count.


Use default height

Check this option to use the default row or field height of 0.17 inches (for rows) or 0.23 inches (for fields). This option can be used in conjunction with either the "Can grow or field" or "Can shrink" option, but not both. When used with "Can grow or field," the default height also represents the minimum row or field height; when used with "Can shrink" it represents the maximum row or field height. This option can be used with the "Can split" option, independently of any other row or field-height option.


Can grow

Check this option to allow report rows or fields to grow as necessary to accommodate contents.


Can shrink

Check this option to allow report rows or fields to shrink as necessary to best accommodate contents.


Can split

Check this option to allow report rows to split across page breaks.


Drawing toolbox

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Drawing toolbox, which you can use to draw directly on the report surface, without having to import, point to, or insert graphical files or objects.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Selector

Click this tool to select a drawing or an element within a drawing.


Rectangle

Click this tool to draw a rectangle or square.


Line

Click this tool to draw a single, straight line segment.


Closed polygon

Click this tool to draw a closed polygon. Click the starting point (in the report) of the first line, then drag until the line is the desired length and direction, and click to insert the end of the first side. Click again to insert a line from the first endpoint to the cursor location, and repeat to create additional sides of the polygon. To complete the polygon, click the starting point or select another drawing tool. If you select another tool before closing the polygon, a line is automatically drawn from the last line's endpoint to the starting point, to complete the polygon.


Ellipse

Click this tool to draw an ellipse or circle.


Open polygon (polyline)

Click this tool to draw an open polygon which has no "last side." An open polygon is also known as a polyline, a line made up of multiple segments in differing directions. When you have completed the open polygon, select another drawing tool.


Rounded rectangle

Click this tool to draw a rectangle or square with rounded corners.


Insert text

Click this tool to insert a text block.


Group

Click this tool to group selected drawing elements into a single element. This is useful when you might later want to move or copy a complex drawing. To select the elements to be grouped, Ctrl-click each element, then click the Group tool.


Ungroup

Click this tool to separate a group into its constituent drawing elements. This is useful if, for example, you need to modify the text included as part of a group.


Bring to front

Click this tool to bring the selected drawing element in front of all other drawing elements.


Send to back

Click this tool to send the selected drawing element in back of all other drawing elements.


Section dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Section dialog box, where you can set pagination options for sections of a report. (A report section can be any header or footer, or a detail report within a master report.)

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Apply to section

Lists all sections of the active report, enabling you to select the section to which the show/hide and pagination options will apply. (A report section can be any header or footer, or a detail report within a master report.)


Hide section

Check this option to suppress display of the selected section. This does not remove the section from the report; it merely hides the section until this option is unchecked.


Pagination

Specifies pagination options to apply to the selected section. You can choose to have the section begin a new page, end a page, avoid splitting across page breaks, and always be kept together with the following section.


Column Width dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Column Width dialog box, where you can specify whether the selected report column should use a specific width, the default column width (1.43"), or automatically resize to provide the best fit for column contents.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Column Width

Use this box to set a specific width for the selected report column. You can either use the arrows to enter the width, or directly enter a width by typing in the box.


Default width

Check this option to set the selected column to the default width of 1.43".


Best fit

Choose this option to have the selected column automatically resized to provide the best fit for column contents.


Merge Reports dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Merge Reports dialog box, where you can specify which items should be included when merging one report into another. Two (and only two) reports must be open, and you must select a shared column, before merging reports.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Merging report

Indicates the reports being merged. The inactive report is always merged into the active report.


Merge items

Select which items from the inactive report should be merged into the active report.


Summary Fields dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Summary Fields dialog box, where you can create or modify fields that perform summation (or other mathematical calculations) on existing report fields.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Report group

Lists all existing report groups (including the entire report), enabling you to select the group for which you want to create a summary field.


Summary fields

Lists all existing summary fields in the active report, by group. Within each group name, the summary fields are shown by the report field being calculated and the calculation being performed.


Remove from group

Removes the selected summary field from the group to which it pertains.


Report fields

Lists all fields in the active report, enabling you to choose a report field on which to base a summary field.


Summary operation

Lists available mathematical summary operation you can perform upon the selected report field.


Add to group

Adds a summary field to the selected group, using the selected report field and summary operation as the basis for the new field.


Picture dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Picture dialog box, where you can specify picture files to insert into a report, at their original scaled or modified to suit your reporting needs.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Preview

Displays a  preview of the selected picture file. The entire file is displayed in here; this display does not necessarily represent the picture at its original size, or the size used when inserting the picture into a report. If you have checked the "Preview on" option, pictures are automatically previewed when selected in the file list.


Initial scale

Indicates the scale of the graphic when placed into the report. Use the arrows to select a percentage scale, or directly enter the scale percentage in this entry box.


Selected picture file

Indicates the selected picture file and its location.


Preview

Choose this option to preview the selected picture file. (This is necessary only if you have not checked the "Preview on" option on the right-hand side of the dialog box.)


(Picture) Files

Lists all picture files of the selected file type, in the selected directory.


Directory

Lists available directories on the selected drive, from which you can select a picture file to insert into your report.


Drives

Lists drives (physical, network, and logical) to which your computer is connected.


Types

Lists available types of picture files. In any particular drive/directory combination, only those picture files of the selected type will be listed and available.


Insert

Inserts the selected picture file into the active report.


Repeat Item dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Repeat Item dialog box, where you can specify the number of times each recurring item should be displayed in the report.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Number of times…

Use this entry box to select or directly enter the number of times that each recurring report element should be displayed.


Insert Field Labels dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Insert Field Labels dialog box, where you can specify how often field (column) labels should be displayed within the active report.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Insert After…

You can check each, both, or none of these options to control how often field labels are displayed. To completely suppress display of field labels, uncheck both of these options.


Display As Picture dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Display As Picture dialog box, where you can specify the graphic-file format to use in displaying selected report fields that point to graphics files.

Caution:	This display conversion is a one-way process. That is, once you have chosen to have report fields displayed as the graphics to which they point, you cannot reverse this choice. This can affect pagination of your report.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Sample

Displays a sample of the first graphic file listed in the selection. This sample is expanded or shrunk as necessary to fill the sample area, and does not necessarily represent the graphic as it will appear when displayed in the report; the sample display is for reference only.


Display Field As…

Use this list to select the appropriate type of graphic-file format to use in displaying the selected fields.

Note:	You cannot mix file types within the same report column.


Insert Field dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Insert Field dialog box, which you can use to insert fields directly into the active report.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Field types

Use this dropdown list to select the type of fields you want to insert, data fields, derived fields, report variables, system fields (supplied by ReportSmith and non-editable), and existing summary fields.

Note:	This dialog box is not intended to create and insert new summary fields, but to insert those fields you have already created using the Tools | Summary Fields menu command.


Field names

Lists available fields of the selected field type, enabling you to select the field you want to insert.


Include field name

Check this option to have the name of the field, as well its value(s), inserted into the report.


Insert

Choose Insert to close this dialog box and insert the field. The mouse pointer changes to the "Object" shape, to indicate that you will be placing the new field wherever you click on the report surface.


Done

Choose Done when you have inserted all the fields you want into the report.


Draft Mode Options dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Draft Mode Options dialog box, where you can set such draft mode options as the number of records to display, and whether to show "placeholder" outlines for graphic images.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Use [xxx] records

Use this area to limit the number of records displayed, if you are working with a large dataset. You can either enter a specific number of records to be displayed, or use all records in the report.

Note:	If you choose to set a specific number of records, these records are counted from the first record; you cannot specify, for example, a set of 50 records beginning with record 67 and ending with record 116.


Show outline for bitmaps

Check this option to have ReportSmith show a bordering "placeholder" outline for graphical images in the report.


Hide wallpaper

Check this option to have ReportSmith suppress display of any graphical background you have chosen for report pages. This does not delete the background image; it merely suppresses the display, until you choose presentation mode.


Field Height dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Field Height dialog box, where you can include fields of varying heights in your report. A field can be either a fixed height, can grow, can shrink, or can shrink and grow.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Name Style dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Rename Style dialog box, where you can enter a new name for a custom report style. System styles – those supplied by ReportSmith – cannot be renamed.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Style name

Enter a name here for your custom report style, then choose OK to put the name into effect.


Load Macro dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Load Macro dialog box, where you can open ReportSmith macros that have been saved to the .MAC file format. Several such macros are included as part of the default ReportSmith installation; they are located (by default) in the \RPTSMITH\MACROS folder.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information, or click here to view macro-language Help.

Note: If you are using ReportSmith 3.0 with Windows NT, use the Network button in the lower right-hand corner of this dialog box to access macro files on network drives that have not yet been assigned drive letters. If you are using Windows 95, use the Network Neighborhood to make these assignments.


Get Connection Data dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Get Connection Data dialog box, where you can view or edit connection information used to connect to a server or Local Area Network (LAN). If you are unsure of what information is required to establish the connection, consult your system administrator.

Note:	To avoid potential security risks, connections established in this dialog box are not saved. (Use the File | Connections menu command to establish saved connections.) DB2, SQLBase, Oracle, SQL Server, Sybase, and Teradata connections have a check box to allow a null password. ReportSmith does not store the password.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Type

Displays the data type used in making the connection to a server or LAN.


Virtual node

Enter the complete path (on a Local Area Network) or database server of the data location to which you are connecting.


Database

Enter the name of the database or file to which you want to connect.


Options

Enter connection options here. See your system administrator for information regarding which options to enter here, for the connection type you are using.


Select Reports to Send dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Select Reports to Send dialog box, where you can select the loaded reports you want to send via electronic mail (e-mail).

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Select all

Selects all listed reports, preparing them to be sent by electronic mail (e-mail).


Reports

Lists all reports currently open in ReportSmith. Select the report(s) you want to send via electronic mail (e-mail), then choose OK.


Replace Connection dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Replace Connection dialog box, which appears when you try to open a report with a missing ODBC connection, when you provide incorrect login information for a server connection, or when you are sharing a report whose data is based on an existing link to an ODBC driver. In order to open such a report, you must first re-establish a connection.

The missing data source connection is listed in the Unable to Connect to Data Source box.

To re-establish a connection:

1.	Select a replacement connection in the Select Replacement box

2.	Select a named connection (if one exists) from the Named Connections list.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Unable to connect to…

Lists the data source to which you have unsuccessfully tried to connect, together with the reason the connection failed.


Select replacement connection

Enter the parameters for the replacement connection here. The particular options available will vary depending on the connection type and named connection (if any) you select. If you are making a server connection and are unsure about what to enter for the Server, User ID, or Password parameters, see your system administrator.


Select Connection dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Select Connection dialog box, where you can specify a connection type and a named connection for use in associating a data dictionary. If you do not specify a named connnection in this dialog box, you can alternatively specify a particular data path to associate with the data dictionary.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Connection type

Use this dropdown list to select the connection type. For example, you can choose whether to use the Borland Database Engine (BDE, or IDAPI) connection type or the ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) connection type when connecting to dBASE data sources.


Named connection

You can use this dropdown list to select from existing named connections. If you select a named connection here, the connection type and data path are automatically entered; you cannot edit these properties of a named connection from within this dialog box.


Directory

If you have not selected a named connection in the dropdown list above, you can specify a data path here, either by directly entering the path or by choosing Browse to find and select the appropriate path.


Add Data Dictionary dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Add Data Dictionary dialog box, where you can add and reconfigure existing data dictionaries. You cannot use this dialog box to create new data dictionaries.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Server Connection

This button is available only if you are connecting to a remote SQL server, and enables you to specify the data-server connection.


Directory/Database

If you are connecting to a local or LAN data source, this field shows the current directory (folder). If you are connecting to a remote SQL server, this field indicates the current database connection.


Dictionaries

Lists the data dictionaries available for the current connection type and within the current directory (folder) or database.


Directories

Lists all subdirectories (subfolders) of the current directory, and enables you navigate directories (folder) to locate the appropriate data dictionary.


Select View dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Select View dialog box, where you can select which view (of the selected data dictionary) to use when associating a data connection.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Selected View

This field lists the view you have selected from the list of available views within the selected data dictionary.


Views

Lists the available views within the selected data dictionary. Select a view from this list.


Data Dictionaries dialog box

  Related Topics

The graphic below represents the Data Dictionaries dialog box, where you can enable one or more existing data dictionaries for use in ReportSmith.

Important:	ReportSmith 3.01 (or later) enables you to use existing "legacy" data dictionaries created in earlier versions of ReportSmith, but does not provide for the creation of new data dictionaries. If you anticipate creating new data dictionaries, be sure that you retain the Data Dictionary Administrator included in earlier versions of ReportSmith.

Click any part of the graphic below for more information.


Dictionaries

Lists all data dictionaries available for use in ReportSmith. Select a dictionary to associate a data connection.


Associate/Disassociate

Use this button combination to associate the selected data dictionary with the selected data connection, or to sever that association. If you have not established an associated connection, choosing Associate will display the Select Connection dialog box, where you can specify a data connection to be associated with the selected data dictionary.


Connections

Lists all data connections associated with the listed data dictionaries. If no dictionary/connection associations have been established, this list is blank.


Add (Data Dictionary)

Displays the Add Data Dictionary dialog box, where you can specify an existing data dictionary to add for use in ReportSmith.

Important:	ReportSmith 3.01 (or later) enables you to use existing "legacy" data dictionaries created in earlier versions of ReportSmith, but does not provide for the creation of new data dictionaries. If you anticipate creating new data dictionaries, be sure that you retain the Data Dictionary Administrator included in earlier versions of ReportSmith.


Set View

Displays the Select View dialog box, where you can specify which view of the selected data dictionary you want to use in associating a data connection.


File | New

  Related Topics

This command displays the Create A New Report dialog box, where you can specify the report type and style for your new report, before building the report query that will actually generate the report.


File | Open

  Related Topics

This command displays the Open Report dialog box, where you can choose a report (.RPT) file to open, whether that file should be displayed in draft mode, and whether the report should be run using updated data, or simply opened and displayed using currently loaded data.


File | Connections

  Related Topics

This command displays the Connection dialog box, where you can create, view, or edit named data connections.


File | Disconnect

  Related Topics

This command displays the Disconnect dialog box, where you can disconnect any data connections you currently have open.


File | Close

  Related Topics

Closes only the currently active report, prompting for unsaved changes.


File | Close All

  Related Topics

Closes all open reports, prompting for unsaved changes in any report.


File | Save

  Related Topics

Saves the currently active report under its existing file name. If no name has yet been assigned, this command displays the Windows Save As common dialog box, where you can specify a name and location under which to save the report.


File | Save As

  Related Topics

Displays the Windows Save As common dialog box, where you can specify a new name and/or location under which to save the currently active report.


File | Save All

  Related Topics

Saves all open reports, prompting you to name any new and unsaved reports.


File | Page Setup

  Related Topics

Displays the Page Setup dialog box, where you can specify page options such as size, orientation, margins, and wallpaper (report background).


File | Print

  Related Topics

Displays the Windows Print common dialog box, where you can specify such options as which printer should be used and how it should be set up, how many copies should be printed, what page range should be printed, and whether pages should be collated.


File | ODBC Setup

  Related Topics

Displays the ODBC Setup dialog box, where you can configure 32-bit ODBC 2.0 drivers as needed to establish or maintain data connections.


File | Send Mail

  Related Topics

This command prepares your report to be sent over electronic mail (e-mail), via protocols installed, configured and maintained by a MAPI service provider such as Microsoft Exchange.

Important:	You must have a MAPI front-end such as Microsoft Exchange and a MAPI transport provider such as Microsoft Mail installed and properly configured on your computer system before using this feature of ReportSmith. Make a note of all relevant Internet and server addresses, as well as your login name and password, before using the Internet Wizard to configure this feature. If you need assistance, contact your network administrator.


File | Exit

  Related Topics

This command closes ReportSmith and all open reports, prompting for unsaved changes.


Edit | Undo Command

  Related Topics

This command reverses (or "undoes") the last action or command in ReportSmith. You can undo only the last action or command; multiple-level undo is not supported.


Edit | Cut

  Related Topics

This command cuts the selected item(s) to the Windows Clipboard, removing them from the selected area.


Edit | Copy

  Related Topics

This command copies the selected items(s) to the Windows Clipboard, but does not remove them from the selected area.


Edit | Paste

  Related Topics

Pastes the contents of the Windows Clipboard (as a static, uneditable object) at the cursor's location.


Edit | Paste Link

  Related Topics

Pastes the contents of the Windows Clipboard, creating a link between the pasted object and the source application from which it was copied to the Clipboard. For example, you could paste a Word document, then have that document automatically updated in ReportSmith whenever it changes in Word.


Edit | Paste Special

  Related Topics

Displays the Windows Paste Special common dialog box, where you can specify pasting options such as the file type to use in pasting the object (whether to paste it as a static or editable object), whether to paste an icon representing the embedded or linked object (this can save large amounts of space in your reports), and whether to paste the object as a linked or embedded object.


Edit | Select All

  Related Topics

This command selects the entire report, and all report elements contained within it.


Edit | Detail Reports

{ [image]  Related Topics

This command displays the Master/Detail Reports dialog box, where you can create or modify detail reports and their relationships to the master report.


Edit | Links

  Related Topics

Displays the Windows Links common dialog box, where you can edit the nature and source of links for the selected linked object in your report.

Note: This command is available only when you have one or more linked objects in your report, and only when a linked object is selected.


Edit | Convert

  Related Topics

Displays the Windows Convert common dialog box, where you can convert the selected linked or embedded object to and from relevant file formats, or to and from an icon to a full-size representation.

Note: This command is available only when you have one or more linked or embedded objects in your report, and only when a linked or embedded object is selected.


Edit | [Type] Object
Edit | (Linked) [Type] Object

  Related Topics

This command offers a submenu featuring the Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) commands of "Edit" and "Open". Either command enables you to view the object using its parent application; for some applications the two commands are synonomous, while other applications differentiate between the two commands and the options available for each. Depending on the OLE support level of the parent application, the object may be opened in that application or in place within ReportSmith, with the parent application's menu structure replacing that of ReportSmith for purposes of editing the object.

The word "Linked" appears in grey above to indicate that it appears only when you have selected a linked object. Otherwise, [Type] represents the type of the selected object – for example, a "Document Object" or a "Worksheet Object."

Note: This command is available only when you have one or more linked or embedded objects in your report, and only when a linked or embedded object is selected.


View | Presentation

  Related Topic

Displays the active report with all formatting choices, as it will print.


View | Draft

  Related Topic

Displays the Draft Mode Options dialog box, where you can choose to display your report without graphic images and limit the number of records your report displays (useful if you're working with a large data set).

When you're in Draft mode, ReportSmith displays "Draft" in the report background.


View | Toolbar

  Related Topic

Toggles on or off the display of the ReportSmith toolbar, where you can access many frequently used commands and actions, by clicking toolbar buttons.


View | Ribbon

  Related Topic

Toggles on or off the display of the ReportSmith ribbon, where you can access many frequently used commands and actions, by clicking ribbon buttons or drop-down lists.


View | Rulers

  Related Topics

This command shows or hides the ReportSmith rulers (both horizontal and vertical), marked in either inches or centimeters. The measurement unit is set through the Tools | Options command.


View | Labels

  Related Topics

In a label report (only), this command shows or hides the label boundaries.


View | Boundaries

  Related Topics

For all report types except label reports, this command shows or hides header/footer boundaries (including report boundaries). For label reports, this command is functionally equivalent to View | Labels.


View | Print Area

  Related Topics

Toggles print area boundaries on or off. If you turn the Print Area boundaries on, the area inside the boundaries will print, and anything outside of the boundaries will not. Modify the Print Area boundaries by changing your page setup.

Note:	If no default printer is selected, the print area is not displayed. Make sure you've selected a default printer (choose Start | Settings | Printers from the Windows 95 desktop) or with File | Print.


View | Grid

  Related Topics

Toggles displays of the ReportSmith alignment grid, for use in aligning report elements.


View | Zoom

  Related Topics

Displays the Zoom dialog box, where you can set the magnification level for the report display.


Insert | Field

  Related Topics

Displays the Insert Field dialog box, where you can select report fields to insert into an existing report.


Insert | Field Labels

  Related Topics

This command displays the Insert Field Labels dialog box, where you can specify how often (and where) field labels should be displayed.


Insert | Headers/Footers

  Related Topics

This command displays the Header/Footer dialog box, where you can insert group headers and footers, specifying such options as the group name and type.


Insert | Picture

  Related Topics

This command displays the Picture dialog box, where you can select a graphic image (from a variety of formats) to display as part of the active report.


Insert | Object

  Related Topics

Inserts a new embedded object, or creates an embedded object from an existing file, of the type specified in the Windows Insert Object common dialog box.


Insert | Crosstab

  Related Topics

This command displays the Crosstab Reports dialog box, where you can create a crosstab (spreadsheet-style) report, based on new or existing columnar report data.


Insert | Detail Report

  Related Topics

This command displays the Master/Detail Reports dialog box, where you can create or modify a master/detail report relationship for the active report.


Format | Font

  Related Topics

This command displays the Windows Font common dialog box, where you can set font attributes such as typeface, point size, style, color, and any underlining options. Use this command, rather than the ReportSmith ribbon, to set advanced options such as color and underlining.


Format | Border

  Related Topics

This command displays the Border dialog box, where you can set border and shading options for the selected report element.


Format | Field Height

  Related Topics

This command displays the Field Height dialog box, where you can specify a default height for selected fields, as well as whether they can grow or shrink to accommodate changing contents.


Format | Field

  Related Topics

This command displays the Format Field dialog box, where you can set formats to use in displaying various type of numeric data in the selected fields.


Format | Text Alignment

  Related Topics

This command displays the Text Alignment dialog box, where you can specify whether text in the selected report element(s) should be aligned flush left, centered, or aligned flush right.


Format | Column Width

  Related Topics

This command displays the Column Width dialog box, where you can use specific column widths, the default column width (5.71 cm or 1.23"), or a column width that will automatically provide the best fit around column contents.


Format | Row Height

  Related Topics

This command displays the Row Height dialog box, where you can use specific row height (a uniform setting for all report rows), set a  default row height, or specify whether rows can grow, shrink, or split across pages to automatically provide the best fit around row contents.


Format | Display As Picture

  Related Topics

If you have included folder/file name references to graphic files in your report, this command will display selected references as the graphics to which they refer.


Format | Pattern

  Related Topics

This command displays the Pattern dialog box, where you can select a fill pattern to use on a selected drawing object. This command applies only to drawing objects.


Format | Repeat Items

  Related Topics

This command displays the Repeat Items dialog box, where you can specify the number of times detail rows, labels, or forms should be repeated.


Format | Section

  Related Topics

This command displays the Section dialog box, where you can specify section formatting such as page breaks and section breaks, and to which sections (headers, report headers, and so on) these choices should apply.


Format | Report Styles
Format | Report Style

  Related Topics

This command displays the Report Styles dialog box, where you can select standard styles (named sets of formatting choices) for the selected report type, edit styles, create custom styles, and specify the default style for each report type.


Tools | Report Query

  Related Topics

Displays the Report Query - Tables dialog box, where you can specify:

tables and table columns to include or exclude from your report.

table aliases to simplify table maintenance in the future.

table links to incorporate only the data you want.

Important	When you create a new report and have not yet added tables to it, this dialog box does not contain aliasing, column selection, or linking options. These options appear only when you have added one or more tables.


Tools | Tables

  Related Topics

Displays the Report Query - Tables dialog box, where you can specify:

tables and table columns to include or exclude from your report.

table aliases to simplify table maintenance in the future.

table links to incorporate only the data you want.

Important	When you create a new report and have not yet added tables to it, this dialog box does not contain aliasing, column selection, or linking options. These options appear only when you have added one or more tables.


Tools | Selections

  Related Topics

Displays the Report Query - Selections dialog box, where you can specify which records to include in your report, by setting criteria that “filter” the report data.


Tools | Sorting

  Related Topics

This command displays the Report Query - Sorting dialog box, where you can specify sorting options such as which value to use in sorting data and whether the data should be sorted in ascending or descending order.


Tools | Derived Fields

  Related Topics

Displays the Report Query - Derived Fields dialog box, where you can create derived fields using either SQL or the ReportBasic macro language.


Tools | Report Variables

  Related Topics

Displays the Report Query - Report Variables dialog box, where you can create and edit report variables to prompt report users for values to use in filtering displayed report data.


Tools | Database Grouping

  Related Topics

This command displays the Report Query - Database Grouping dialog box, where you can set options for grouping and “filtering” data at its original location (database or table file) before loading it into the report.


Tools | SQL Text

  Related Topics

Displays the Report Query - SQL dialog box, where you can enter or edit direct-SQL (Structured Query Language) queries.

Warning:	You should use direct SQL entry only if you are an expert-level user of SQL. While you can convert a ReportSmith-style query to direct SQL text, you cannot reverse this process. If you are unsure of your skill in using direct SQL entry, we recommend that you build the query using ReportSmith’s tools.


Tools | Report Grouping

  Related Topics

This command displays the Define Groups dialog box, where you can create and define groups to use in “clustering” or grouping displayed report data. For example, you might choose to group sales report data by salesperson, by date, or by customer. You can also choose to create groups by similar value, regardless of resulting group size, or by a fixed number of records per group.


Tools | Summary Fields

  Related Topics

This command displays the Summary Fields dialog box, where you can create, modify, or remove summary fields and their associations with various report groups.


Tools | Field Selection Criteria

  Related Topics

This command displays the Field Selection Criteria dialog box, where you can specify selection criteria for individual fields you want to add to your report query.


Tools | Merge Reports

  Related Topics

Merges the selected reports into a single report (the active report). You must first open both reports to be merged.

When you have two reports, and only two reports, open and tiled, ReportSmith displays the Report Merge dialog box.


Tools | Drawing

  Related Topics

This command displays the Drawing toolbox, which you can use to draw directly on the surface of your report, without having to import existing graphics files.


Tools | Alignment

  Related Topics

This command displays the Align toolbox, which you can use to specify alignment options for the selected report element(s).


Tools | Crosstab

  Related Topics

This command displays the Crosstab toobox, which you can use to create or modify crosstab reports, using either new or existing report data.


Tools | Macro

  Related Topics

This command displays the Macro Command dialog box, where you can create or load global or report-level ReportBasic macros, and store them as .MAC files.


Tools | Options

  Related Topics

This command displays the Options dialog box, where you can set options affecting the operation of ReportSmith itself (separate from any particular report you may have open).


Tools | Data Dictionaries

  Related Topics

This command displays the Data Dictionaries dialog box, where you can enable existing data dictionaries for use in ReportSmith.

Important:	ReportSmith 3.01 (or later) enables you to use existing "legacy" data dictionaries created in earlier versions of ReportSmith, but does not provide for the creation of new data dictionaries. If you anticipate creating new data dictionaries, be sure that you retain the Data Dictionary Administrator included in earlier versions of ReportSmith.


Window | Tile

  Related Topics

This command arranges all open report windows side by side within ReportSmith.


Window | Cascade

  Related Topics

This command arranges all open report windows one behind and above another, in a "cascade" of report windows. To access a particular report window, click its title bar to bring it to the front.


Window | Arrange Icons

  Related Topics

This command arranges all minimized report windows in rows beginning at the bottom of the main ReportSmith window.


Window | [Number]
Window | 1…2…3…

  Related Topics

This command enables you to quickly activate any of the reports you have open in ReportSmith, by choosing the report's window name or number.


Help | ReportSmith Help Topics

  Related Topics

This command displays the main contents screen of ReportSmith 3.0 Help.


Help | Macro Help

  Related Topics

This command displays the online Help system unique to ReportBasic, the macro language used in ReportSmith. You can also access macro-language Help from the main ReportSmith Help contents screen, by choosing Macro reference | ReportBasic Macro Programming Language. See your print documentation for a discussion of when and how to use macros, as well as several commented sample macros, showing you how ReportBasic macro code works.


Help | About

  Related Topics

This command displays the About box of ReportSmith 3.0, giving copyright, licensing, and version information on ReportSmith.


ReportSmith Glossary

Click on the individual terms to view their definitions.

A

alias

application event

argument

Avery codes

B

BDE

C

calculated field

call by reference

call by value

client disk option

client memory option

column

Column Editing mode

columnar report

comma delimited files

comment

connection

crosstab

D

data field

derived field

display event

Draft mode

Dynamic Data Access

Dynamic Data Exchange

E

event

F

field

field label

Field Editing mode

form report

function

G

global macro

grid

group

I

IDAPI

J

join

K

key column

L

label

link

M

macro

macro-derived field

master/detail report

metacommands

method

mode

N

name (ReportBasic)

named connection

null password

O

On server mode

P

parameter

point size

Presentation mode

property

Q

query

R

report

report event

report macro

report variable

ReportBasic

row

S

SBL

self-join

SQL

SQL-derived field

string value

subprogram

summary field

summary-only report

system field

T

table

Text mode

type character

U

units

V

value label

vartype

visual link


alias

A substitute name for a field, table, or column. For tables, an alias is used when you use the same table in a report more than once. For fields, tables, or columns, use an alias to substitute a more easily recognizable, or shorter, name.


application event

An application event can occur globally, each time you run ReportSmith, and/or each time you run any report.


argument

Used to pass information from one macro to another, and then in turn, pass information back from the second macro to the first. This older term is interchangeable with the term “parameter”; the two terms mean exactly the same thing.


Avery codes

Avery label codes corresponding to the Avery label styles found in the Label Type and Dimensions list of the Page Setup dialog box. (Choose File | Page Setup.) Codes match those displayed on the Avery label box.


BDE (Borland Database Engine)

The Borland Database Engine provides a fast, safe, and easy-to-use means of connecting ReportSmith to Borland database products such as Visual dBASE and Paradox.


calculated field

A field created by modifying one or more existing fields that contain stored data values.


call by reference

Arguments passed by reference to a procedure may be modified by the procedure.  Procedures written in BASIC are defined to receive their arguments by reference.  If you call such a procedure and pass it a variable, and if the procedure modifies its corresponding formal parameter, it will modify the variable.  Passing an expression by reference is legal in BASIC; if the called procedure modifies its corresponding parameter, a temporary value will be modified, with no apparent effect on the caller.


call by value

When an arguments is passed by value to a procedure, the called procedure receives a copy of the argument.  If the called procedure modifies its corresponding formal parameter, it will have no effect on the caller.  Procedures written in other languages such as C may receive their arguments by value.


client disk option

Tells ReportSmith to load data onto the client disk (as opposed to local memory, or on a server) each time you run ReportSmith.


client memory option

Tells ReportSmith to load data into client memory (as oposed to local memory, or on a server) each time you run ReportSmith.


column

Columns are vertical visual divisions of data, usually representing different categories or means of classifying that data. Columns in a report contain fields from tables or files.


Column Editing mode

Used to move columns and their labels horizontally across the report page. Compare Form Editing mode.


columnar report

Displays similarly classified or categorized fields in vertical columns across the report page.


Comma delimited files
comma-delimited files

Text files containing  fields separated by commas, and using the file extension .CSV.


comment

A comment is text which documents the program.  Comments have no effect on the program (except for metacommands).  In BASIC, a comment begins with a single quote, and continues to the end of the line.  If the first character in a comment is a dollar sign ($), the comment will be interpreted as a metacommand.  Lines beginning with the keyword Rem are also interpreted as comments.


connection

Attaches ReportSmith to a server or particular folder/file structure on local computers, and points to the location(s) of files and tables used in a report.


Crosstab report
crosstab

A summary report that displays data in a spreadsheet-like format. It can consist of rows, columns, row labels, column labels, and values. Fields can be calculated to show sums, averages, or counts.


data field

A single record of information contained in a table—for example, a place for a customer name in a column containing customer last names.


derived field

A field that is created and derived by concatenating, calculating, or otherwise modifying other existing fields. For example, a field called FULLNAME, derived by combining the F_NAME and L_NAME fields.


display event

An event linked to the display of a particular instance of a field in a report.


draft mode

Use draft mode to page through a report quickly, displaying graphics as light gray outlines, and "DRAFT" in the report background. Draft mode is intended to speed up viewing and working with reports; use presentation mode to check the appearance of a report as it will be printed.


Dynamic Data Access
Dynamic Data Access (DDA)

Controls which resources ReportSmith uses to store data, to recognize the size of data, and to determine the best strategy for transferring it into a report.


Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)

A protocol for Windows-compatible applications, which enables two applications to communicate with each other, exchanging and dynamically updating data within each application.


event

Any action in ReportSmith that triggers the execution of a macro to which it is linked. Many events can occur at either the report-specific level or the application level, while other events may be unique to a particular level. For example, the After Report Open event occurs after you open a particular report (in which you have created the macro linked to this event), while the On SQL Error event is generated by an SQL error, and triggered only when an SQL error occurs.


field

A field contains a data value within a column.


field label

A column heading. By default, ReportSmith applies the field name from the source table as the field label within a report. However, you can change a ReportSmith field label by typing over it on the report surface, or by creating an alias for it.


Field Editing mode

Used to move individual fields (not entire columns) freely around the report page (horizontally and vertically). Use this mode to place values into headers and footers. When you move values in Field Editing mode, column labels do not automatically move along with their respective columns. Compare Column Editing mode.


form report

Displays data in free-form across the report page. Compare columnar report.


function

A procedure which returns a value.  In BASIC, the return value is specified by assigning a value to the name of the function, as if the function were a variable.


global macro

A macro linked to the ReportSmith application that runs each time you run ReportSmith. Used to automate global tasks, or to customize ReportSmith.


grid

A series of row and column coordinates used as a visual reference when placing objects.


group

A number of fields and values consolidated by user-specified criteria and presented together or considered as a unit. Recurrences of a group in a report are suppressed if duplicated.


IDAPI

An alternative (older) name for the Borland Database Engine.


join

To add more than one table to a report, you must join or link them. A successful join or link (the terms are used interchangeably within ReportSmith) consists of a field which both tables share in common. Typically, the common field shares the same name.


key column

The column or columns in a table that contains a unique value for every record.


label

A label identifies a position in the program at which to continue execution, usually as a result of executing a GoTo statement.  To be recognized as a label, a name must begin in the first column, and must be immediately followed by a colon (":").  Reserved words are not valid labels.


link

To add more than one table to a report, you must join or link them. A successful join or link (the terms are used interchangeably within ReportSmith) consists of a field which both tables share in common. Typically, the common field shares the same name.


macro

An operator that causes the generation of a sequence of instructions to accomplish one or more tasks. For example, you can write a macro to open, run, print, and close a daily report. A macro is a user-defined "mini-program" which you build using the ReportBasic programming language. You can create and store a custom macro, or load macros provided by ReportSmith in the RPTSMITH\MACROS directory. You can also save macros as *.MAC files, so that they are then available for use in any report, or globally in all reports.

Macros can be stored locally, with a report, or stored globally and used with all reports.


Macro derived field
macro-derived field

A derived field created using the ReportBasic language.


master/detail report

A report using more than one query. Generally, the master report contains one record per key value, while the detail report contains many records per key value. The report breaks data into groups, so that for each record in the "A" table, matching records in the "B" table print beneath it, followed by matching records in the "C' table. Each query in the report can come from a different data source.


metacommand

A metacommand is a command which gives the compiler instructions on how to build the program.  In BASIC, metacommands are specified in comments which begin with a dollar sign ($).


method

A function or statement which performs actions on the DataSet object.


mode

A term applied to an operating condition that is one of two or more such conditions. For example, in ReportSmith you can activate Form Editing mode or Column Editing mode, and draft mode or presentation mode. Modes are mutually exclusive; you cannot operate two similar modes (such as Form Editing mode and Column Editing mode) at once.


name (ReportBasic)

A BASIC name must start with a letter (A through Z).  The remaining part of a name can also contain numeric digits (0 through 9) or an underscore character (_).  A name cannot be longer than 40 characters in length.  Type characters are not considered part of a name.


named connection

A permanent connection you set up, name, and save, that lets you quickly access frequently-used databases and tables.


null password

A password with no value, which can be ignored in the interpretation of data.


on server mode

Allows ReportSmith to store a limited number of records (generally 100) on the client disk, while maintaining a temporary area on the server disk to store other records.


parameter

Used to pass information from one macro to another, and then in turn, pass information back from the second macro to the first. This newer term is interchangeable with the term “argument”; the two terms mean exactly the same thing.


point size

A measurement of the size of the text characters used in a report. There are 72 points per inch, 12 points per pica.


presentation mode

Used to view the final copy of a report. All components that will print on a report are displayed in the actual size and position used on the printed copy. Compare draft mode.


property

A data value similar to BASIC variables, that can have any of the BASIC variable types. Used with DataSet object.


query

A request for specific data from one or more tables.


report

A collection of data filtered and formatted according to unique and specific data-viewing requirements. Also, a ReportSmith file saved with the extension .RPT. It can contain objects, tables, links, and other information.


report event

An action in ReportSmith that triggers the execution of a macro linked to a specific report. An example of a report event is the Keystroke event, Ctrl+P. Each time a selected report macro encounters the keystroke Ctrl+P, the macro to which the report is linked is triggered.


report macro

A macro linked to a specific report which becomes part of that report. A report macro differs from a global macro in that a report macro applies only to a certain report, while a global macro runs each time a user starts ReportSmith.


ReportBasic

ReportSmith has licensed the Softbridge Basic Language (SBL) from Mystic River Software, Inc. to provide ReportSmith users with a complete high-level programming language. SBL contains similar commands to the Visual Basic programming language. ReportSmith has added specific reporting commands to SBL to assist you in creating reports. This combined command set is called ReportBasic, a complete programming language designed specifically for report creation.

Click here to view macro-language Help.


report variable

A report variable is a dialog box which prompts a user for specific information that changes the contents of the report to which it is linked. Based on the values that the user specifies the report then executes and displays the corresponding data.


row

A set of values from within each column that constitute a "set" of information.


SBL

The acronym for the Softbridge Basic Language (SBL), which forms the basis of the ReportBasic macro language, is pronounced as "Sybil".


Self-join
self-join (self-link)

Linking a table or file to itself.


SQL

An acronym for Structured Query Language, an industry-standard means of creating queries to filter, sort, and extract data. When you use ReportSmith features to select the tables and fields that will make up your report, the necessary SQL query is generated "behind the scenes," but you can also choose to directly enter and maintain the SQL queries that make up your report.

Note:	SQL is pronounced either "sequel" or "S-Q-L." ReportSmith documentation assumes the latter pronunciation.


SQL derived field
SQL-derived field

A derived field (a new report field  that does not exist in the original data sources, constructed by performing calculations upon existing report fields) created using Structured Query Language (SQL) to define the calculations performed.


string value

Any set of characters entered to stand for a numeric value.


subprogram

A procedure which does not return a value.


summary field

A calculated field such as a subtotal or count, summarizing values of other fields.


summary-only report

A report that presents only summarized values, omitting the details used to arrive at those values.


system field

A field that has been automatically created by ReportSmith for your use, such as text, date, time, page number, or report name. System fields do not originate with your database application.


table

An arrangement of words, numbers, or signs (usually in parallel columns) displaying a set of facts or relations in a compact or comprehensive form.


text mode

The application state in which ReportSmith accepts the placement of text.


type character

A special character used as a suffix to a name of a function, variable, or constant. The character defines the data type of the variable or function.  The characters are:

Dynamic String	$

Integer	%

Long integer	&

Single single precision floating point	!

Double double precision floating point	#

Currency exact fixed point	@


unit

An item in a scale of measurement. Can be inches or centimeters.


value label

Data field names automatically inserted into a crosstab report in addition to the defined row and column values. May be used or suppressed.


vartype

The internal tag used to identify the type of value currently assigned to a variant.  One of the following:

Empty	0

Null	1

Integer	2

Long	3

Single	4

Double	5

Currency	6

Date	7

String	8


visual link

Linking objects by matching common fields.