- •Welcome to Seagate Crystal Reports
- •Welcome
- •Two kinds of Hands-On tutorials
- •Command, button, key, and control conventions
- •Using Seagate Crystal Reports documentation
- •Seagate Crystal Reports online Help features
- •If you need more help...
- •Installation Requirements
- •Installing Seagate Crystal Reports
- •Installing on a network workstation
- •Upgrading from a previous version
- •Quick Start
- •Subreports expand report usefulness
- •Query Designer adds ad-hoc querying capabilities
- •Parameter fields mean multi-purpose reports
- •Text objects give you text with intelligence
- •Preprinted-form reports easier than ever
- •More powerful formulas extend your capabilities
- •Web solution serves up variety of online reports
- •HTML exporting simplifies Web activities
- •New database support improves data access
- •Running totals made easy
- •Smart Navigation
- •Learning Seagate Crystal Reports
- •User’s Guide
- •Online Help
- •Books Online
- •Sample Reports
- •Glossary
- •Sample Data - CRAZE.MDB
- •Suggested learning paths
- •The application window
- •Menu bar
- •Standard toolbar
- •Supplementary toolbar
- •Format bar
- •Status bar
- •Shortcut menus
- •Cursors
- •Design Tab
- •Preview Tab
- •Other fundamentals
- •HANDS-ON (Report Design Environment)
- •How to add, delete, and move guidelines
- •How to move and position objects using guidelines
- •How to turn the grid on/off
- •How to zoom your report in and out
- •How to undo/redo activities
- •How to drill down on summarized data
- •HANDS-ON (Sections and Areas)
- •How to add, delete, move, and merge sections
- •How to split and resize sections
- •Basic report design
- •How to design a prototype
- •Concepts in reporting
- •Beyond basic reports
- •HANDS-ON (Report Creation and Design)
- •How to select data and begin creating a report
- •How to add and link multiple tables
- •How to insert database fields
- •How to insert special fields
- •How to insert a page n of N field
- •How to insert text objects
- •How to use a database field in a text object
- •How to insert a picture
- •How to select, move, and resize objects
- •How to hide parts of the report
- •HANDS-ON (Finishing Your Report)
- •How to insert page headers and footers
- •How to add a title page to your report
- •How to add summary information to your report
- •Printing considerations
- •Design solutions for printing/distributing
- •Report creation checklist for distributed reports
- •Updating printer drivers
- •Report distribution
- •HANDS-ON (Distributing Your Report)
- •How to export reports
- •How to fax a report
- •How to request reports from a web browser
- •How to specify parameter field values
- •How to log on to a database
- •How to view plain HTML reports
- •Overview
- •Getting started
- •Record Selection
- •Grouping and sorting
- •Completing the report
- •Introduction
- •Working with Arbor Essbase data
- •HANDS-ON (Reporting on OLAP data)
- •How to create a cross-tab with Essbase data
- •Using multiple sections in reports
- •HANDS-ON (Multiple Section Reports)
- •How to work with text objects
- •How to create a form letter using a text object
- •How to format objects conditionally
- •How to print conditional messages in form letters
- •How to alternate background colors for rows
- •How to eliminate blank lines
- •How to add blank lines conditionally
- •Formatting concepts
- •Absolute formatting
- •Types of formatting properties
- •Conditional formatting
- •HANDS-ON (Absolute Formatting)
- •How to add color, shading, and borders
- •How to add/edit lines and boxes
- •How to change margins
- •How to add/delete white space between rows
- •How to set page orientation and paper size
- •HANDS-ON (Conditional Formatting)
- •How to flag values that meet certain conditions
- •Record selection
- •Group selection
- •Record selection formula templates
- •HANDS-ON (Record and Group Selection)
- •How to create a record or group selection formula
- •How to use record/group selection templates
- •How to select the top or bottom N groups
- •Sorting, Grouping, and Totalling Overview
- •Creating custom groups
- •HANDS-ON (Sorting, Grouping, and Totalling)
- •How to do a single field sort
- •How to do a multiple field sort
- •How to group data
- •How to sort records within groups
- •How to summarize grouped data
- •How to subtotal grouped data
- •How to sort based on summarized group values
- •How to create multiple levels of subtotals
- •How to group data in intervals
- •How to calculate a percentage of the grand total
- •How to create group headers
- •What are formulas?
- •Other formula conventions
- •Formula syntax
- •How formulas are evaluated - Order of precedence
- •HANDS-ON (Formulas 101)
- •How to insert a formula in your report
- •How to delete formulas from your report
- •How to copy formulas from online Help
- •How to copy formulas from one report to another
- •How to create if-then-else formulas
- •How to format text with formulas
- •How to use variables in formulas
- •How to declare a variable
- •How to assign a value to a variable
- •How to conditionally assign values to variables
- •How to use an array in a formula
- •How to use a range in a formula
- •How to use semicolons in formulas
- •How to fine tune group selection formulas
- •How to fine tune record selection formulas
- •How to debug a formula
- •Introduction
- •HANDS-ON (Advanced Totalling)
- •How to maintain running totals in a list
- •How to subtotal running totals within groups
- •How to subtotal without grouping
- •How to subtotal true A to B, A to C reports
- •Parameter field objects overview
- •Multiple parameter fields
- •Parameter field considerations
- •HANDS-ON (Parameter Field Objects)
- •How to create a parameter field
- •How to use a parameter field in a formula
- •How to respond to parameter field prompts
- •How to use wildcards with parameter fields
- •How to set a report title using parameter fields
- •How to set sort order using parameter fields
- •Graphing Overview
- •Choosing a graph or chart type
- •Where to place your graph
- •Data you can graph on
- •Before you create your graph
- •HANDS-ON (Graphing)
- •How to graph on a summary or subtotal field
- •How to graph on a details field
- •How to graph on a formula field
- •How to graph on cross-tab summaries
- •How to edit graphs using PGEditor
- •How to use the underlay feature with graphs
- •OLE Objects Overview
- •Inserting OLE objects in your reports
- •Linked vs. Embedded Objects
- •The dynamic OLE menu commands
- •OLE and the Picture command
- •General OLE considerations
- •HANDS-ON (OLE Objects)
- •How OLE objects are represented in your report
- •How to use OLE - General Overview Tutorial
- •How to insert a graphic/picture as an OLE object
- •What are subreports?
- •Unlinked vs. linked subreports
- •How subreport linking works
- •HANDS-ON (Subreports)
- •How to insert a subreport
- •How to preview your subreport
- •How to combine unrelated reports using subreports
- •How to use subreports with unlinkable data
- •Cross-tab overview
- •Cross-tab components
- •HANDS-ON (Cross-Tab Objects)
- •How to create a cross-tab object
- •How to format a cross-tab
- •How to print cross-tabs that span multiple pages
- •The Crystal Query Designer
- •HANDS-ON (Queries)
- •How to create a new query
- •How to add tables to a query
- •How to link tables and specify a join type
- •How to add fields to a query
- •How to identify unique values in a query
- •How to summarize data with aggregate functions
- •How to sort records according to field values
- •How to specify records to be included in a query
- •How to select groups to be included in a query
- •How to create an SQL expression
- •How to create a query from another Crystal Query
- •How to select a query for a report
- •How to use a parameter field in a query
- •Dictionaries Overview
- •HANDS-ON (Dictionaries)
- •How to create a new dictionary
- •How to add a data file
- •How to open an SQL or ODBC data source
- •How to link multiple tables
- •How to select tables and fields for users
- •How to add/create formulas
- •How to move fields/field headings within the list
- •How to update the location of a database table
- •How to add a new field heading
- •How to add Help text
- •How to add a graphic
- •How to create sample data for users to browse
- •How to edit an existing dictionary
- •How to convert a 3.x or 4.x dictionary file
- •How to select a dictionary for a report
- •Databases Overview
- •For additional information
- •HANDS-ON (Working With Databases)
- •How to open Access queries through DAO
- •How to open Access queries through ODBC
- •How to open Access parameter queries
- •How to set up an ODBC data source
- •How to check settings for an ODBC data source
- •How to log on to an ODBC data source
- •How to add an ODBC database table to a report
- •How to log on to MS SQL Server via ODBC
- •How to log off an ODBC data source
- •How to set up an A to B, A to C link
- •How to edit an SQL query
- •How to use an ACT! database
- •How to open the NT Event Log
- •Introduction
- •Four types of data
- •Direct access database files
- •ODBC data sources
- •Crystal Query Designer files
- •Crystal Dictionary files
- •Multi-pass reporting
- •Product support
- •Web support
- •E-mail support
- •Fax support
- •Telephone support
- •Extended technical support policy
- •Product registration
- •Product return policy
- •Product replacement policy
- •Glossary
#If the ODBC data source you selected requires a log on ID and password, the Login or SQL Server Login dialog box appears. Enter your ID and Password, then click OK. The Enter ODBC Table Name dialog box appears.
$Enter the name you want to give the new table in the database, and click OK. The program exports the report as a new table in the database you specified.
NOTE: If your report contains a binary field, you will be unable to export it to an ODBC data source successfully.
Search for Export format and destination files in Runtime File
Requirements online Help (RUNTIME.HLP).
How to fax a report
Many fax applications, such as Microsoft Fax and Delrina WinFax, allow you to set up a printer driver that will fax documents over a modem. When using one of these applications, you can fax a report from Seagate Crystal Reports.
Choose the PRINTER SETUP command from the File menu. The Print Setup dialog box appears.
Select your fax driver from the Name drop-down box.
! Click OK when finished.
"Choose the PRINTER command from the File|Print menu. The Print dialog box appears.
#Click OK to fax the report. Your fax application will appear, allowing you to select a cover page and fill in the appropriate fax information.
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HANDS-ON (Viewing Reports With a Web
Browser)
How to request reports from a web browser
The easiest way to request a report from the Crystal Web Report Server is to simply request the report file in the form of a URL address.
Open your web browser and make sure you have access to your web server.
Open a report from your browser by requesting the following URL address:
http://<domain>/crweb/craze5.rpt
NOTE: <domain> is the name of the domain for your web server.
An example of a domain name would be:
www.img.seagatesoftware.com
The report request is sent to the web server, the report is returned, and it appears inside your browser window.
NOTE: Depending on the web browser you are using, the report may appear inside one of the Crystal Smart Viewers by default. For complete information on using each of the Smart Viewers, see
How to view reports with the Crystal Smart Viewer/Java, Page 158, How to view reports with the Crystal Smart Viewer/ActiveX, Page 159, and How to view reports with the Crystal Smart Viewer/HTML, Page 161.
!Scroll down until you see the data for Competition Bikes. You should see total sales for three different competition bikes: Descent, Endorphin, and Mozzie.
NOTE: You can also use the Group Tree, if available, in the Crystal Smart Viewer if your browser displays a Smart Viewer. The Group Tree lets you easily navigate and drill-down through report data.
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"Click or double-click the Total sales value for the Descent bicycle model.
NOTE: Different viewers allow you to drill-down on data using either a single click or a double click. If a single click does not work, use a double-click.
A new page appears showing detail data for the different sizes of Descent bicycles, along with the summary sales values for each size.
If you are a Systems Administrator or IS Manager, you may want to use this drill-down feature to your advantage. Design reports for access by your users that show summary information only, but allow drilling down on detail data. This kind of a report will reduce network traffic by only delivering the data needed by users instead of delivering large reports with long sections of detail data.
Related Topics
How to drill down on summarized data, Page 88
Sorting, Grouping, and Totalling, Page 271
How to specify parameter field values
If a report contains parameter fields or is based on an SQL stored procedure, you will be prompted to provide a value for the parameter field.
Use your web browser to request a report that contains a parameter field. The Crystal Web Report Server returns a page requesting a value for the parameter field:
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In the text box that appears on the web page, enter a value for the parameter field.
! Click OK at the bottom of the page.
NOTE: If a report contains more than one parameter field, you will be asked to enter a value for each field.
"The report is generated and appears inside your web browser. The value you specified for the parameter field restricts the values that appear in the report.
NOTE: Your web server administrator may design web pages that handle parameter fields and stored procedures automatically. The Crystal Web Report Server only prompts for parameter field values when necessary.
Related Topics
Parameter Fields, Page 391
How to log on to a database
If a report is based on a secure database, a database that requires log on information before data is returned, the Crystal Web Report Server will require that you supply a log on name and password before displaying the report.
Use your web browser to request a report that is based on a secure database such as an SQL server database or a password-protected Microsoft Access database. The Crystal Web Report Server returns a page requesting log on information including user name and password.
NOTE: If the report is based on an SQL database, you may also need to provide the name of the SQL server and database.
In the text boxes that appear on the web page, enter user name and password you normally use to log on to the database.
! Click OK at the bottom of the page.
NOTE: If a report accesses more than one secured database, you may be asked to log on to each database separately.
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" The report is generated and appears inside your web browser.
NOTE: Your web server administrator may design web pages that handle log on information differently. The Crystal Web Report Server only prompts for log on information when necessary.
How to view reports with the Crystal Smart Viewer/Java
Web browsers that support Java applets can display reports using the Crystal Smart Viewer/Java. Unless you indicate otherwise, the Netscape Navigator web browser, versions 2.x and later, will automatically use the Crystal Smart Viewer/Java by default when you request a report from the Crystal Web Report Server.
Type in the URL address for the report you want to view. Do not, however, press the Enter key to actually request the report yet. For information on how to request a report using a URL address, see How to request reports from a web browser, Page 155.
Append the Crystal Web Report Server INIT command, preceded by a question mark (?), to the end of the URL address and specify the Crystal Smart Viewer/Java. For example:
http://<domain>/crweb/wsale.rpt?init=java
A new web page will appear containing the Crystal Smart Viewer/Java, and the first page of the requested report will appear inside the viewer. A Smart Navigation Group Tree is generated based on the groups in the report.
NOTE: You may not have access to Smart Navigation with the Group Tree. Smart Navigation may be disabled for the report or for the Smart Viewer itself. If Smart Navigation is available, you can use the Smart Navigation button in the Smart Viewer to turn on and off the Group Tree. This button will be disabled if Smart Navigation is unavailable.
! To page through the report, use the page controls.
"Use the Smart Navigation features of the Group Tree, if it is available, to navigate through the report by groups.
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#Click the Refresh button to refresh the report data.
The first time a report is requested, the Crystal Web Report Server generates the report and saves it in a directory cache. If someone else requests the same report, the Crystal Web Report Server can send them the existing report rather than regenerate the data, a time consuming process.
If the data that the report is dependent on changes, though, due to updates in the database, the cached report will no longer reflect accurate data. Use the Refresh button to force the Crystal Web Report Server to connect to the database and update the report.
$To search for a specific value in the report, type the value into the Search text box, and click the Search button.
The Crystal Smart Viewer will locate the first matching value in the report, if it exists, and highlight that value for you. If you need to find the next instance of that value in the report, simply click the Search button again.
NOTE: You may experience minor problems scrolling through reports in the Crystal Smart Viewer/Java. Such problems are a result of the Java virtual machine implemented in certain web browsers and can not be accounted for by the Crystal Smart Viewer/Java. If you experience problems, click repeatedly on the scroll buttons to scroll. Do not hold the scroll buttons down.
How to view reports with the Crystal Smart Viewer/ActiveX
The Crystal Smart Viewer/ActiveX is a powerful ActiveX control that allows you to view and work with reports in any web browser that supports ActiveX. Unless you specifically request a different Crystal Smart Viewer, versions 3.x and later of Microsoft Internet Explorer will open the Crystal Smart Viewer/ActiveX by default when you request a report from the Crystal Web Report Server.
Type in the URL address for the report you want to view. Do not, however, press the Enter key to actually request the report yet. For information on how to request a report using a URL, see How to request reports from a web browser, Page 155.
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Append the Crystal Web Report Server INIT command, preceded by a question mark (?), to the end of the URL address and specify the Crystal Smart Viewer/ActiveX. For example:
http://<domain>/crweb/wsale.rpt?init=actx
A new web page will appear containing the Crystal Smart Viewer/ActiveX control, and the first page of the requested report will appear inside the control. In addition, group names will appear in the Group Tree for Smart Navigation.
NOTE: You may not have access to Smart Navigation with the Group Tree. Smart Navigation may be disabled for the report or for the Smart Viewer itself. If Smart Navigation is available, you can use the Smart Navigation button in the Smart Viewer to turn on and off the Group Tree. This button will be disabled if Smart Navigation is unavailable.
! To page through the report, use the page controls.
" Zoom in and out on the report using the Zoom button.
#Use the Smart Navigation features of the Group Tree, if it is available, to navigate through the report by groups.
$Click the Refresh button to refresh the report data.
To improve performance, reports are often cached by the web server. This means that the first time a report is requested, the Crystal Web Report Server generates the report and saves it. If someone else requests the same report, the Crystal Web Report Server will simply send them the saved report rather than regenerate the data.
However, the data that the report is dependent on may change while the report file is stored in the cache. If so, use the Refresh button to force the Crystal Web Report Server to update the report.
%To search for a specific value in the report, type the value into the Search text box, and click the Search button.
The Smart Viewer will locate the first matching value in the report, if it exists, and highlight it for you. Continue to click the Search button to find successive matching values in the report.
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&To print the report to a printer available from your machine, click the Print button.
NOTE: If the report has been created using different printer settings than those available from your system, you may experience formatting problems when attempting to print a report displayed by the Smart Viewer/ActiveX. The Smart Viewer Print
button uses printer settings saved with the report file. If you experience problems printing a report, contact your web server administrator.
How to view reports with the Crystal Smart Viewer/HTML
The Crystal Smart Viewer/HTML uses the features of HTML frames and forms to display reports on any of the most common web browsers. If your web browser does not support Java applets or ActiveX controls but does support the latest standards for HTML, you may want to use the Crystal Smart Viewer/HTML.
Type in the URL address for the report you want to view. Do not, however, press the Enter key to actually request the report yet. For information on how to request a report using a URL, see How to request reports from a web browser, Page 155.
Append the Crystal Web Report Server INIT command, preceded by a question mark (?), to the end of the URL address and specify the Crystal Smart Viewer/HTML. For example:
http://<domain>/crweb/hr.rpt?init=html_frame
A new web page will appear containing the Crystal Smart Viewer/HTML, and the first page of the requested report will be displayed. In addition, a Group Tree for Smart Navigation is generated based on group names in the report.
NOTE: You may not have access to Smart Navigation with the Group Tree. Smart Navigation may be disabled for the report or for the Smart Viewer itself. If Smart Navigation is available, you can use the Smart Navigation button in the Smart Viewer to turn on and off the Group Tree. This button will be disabled if Smart Navigation is unavailable.
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