Add an Information Field

Add an information field to a report

Information fields are used to place report information, which, unlike a data field, is not related to a client. For example information fields can be used to automatically display the correct page number on each page of the report, or the time and date at which the report was produced.

  1. Select the Images/HOWTO00000017.gif button from the Report Designer Toolbar.
  2. Click the select mouse button on the report design at the position that you wish to place an information field. You will be able to move the field inside its band later, but ensure that you place it inside the correct band as you will not be able to move it to a different band once you have created it.

    Images/Chiclet.gif How do I move an element?

  1. The Information Field Properties window opens. Select the type of information that you wish to display from the Type of information drop-down list. If you wish to display any text in front of the information, enter it in the Preceding text box. i.e. You may wish to display the word 'Page' before the actual number, resulting in Page 1, Page 2 etc.
  2. If you wish to change the appearance of the text, select the Font button to open the Font window. You can use this to change the font, font style, font size and text colour. If you wish to change the background colour of the information field, select the Color button. The Color window opens.
  3. Use the Alignment drop-down list to indicate whether you wish to align the text with the left or right side of the element's frame or in the centre of it.
  4. If you want to size the width of the label's frame automatically, so that it fits just around the text, tick the Autosize width tick box.
  5. Select the OK button to close the Label Properties window and place the label on the report.

 

Change an information field on a report

  1. Select the information field element.
  2. Click the menu mouse button on the selected field.
  3. Select Edit from the pop-up menu. The Information Field Properties window opens. You can change the contents and appearance of the field using the options in this window. See Add an information field to a report above.
  4. Select the OK button when you have made your changes. The Information Field Properties window closes and the field is changed according to the settings you made.

 

Tips

  • To get help on any of the windows in the Report Generator, press the F1key.
  • You cannot overwrite any of the pre-designed reports once you have modified them. You can save the modified report under a new name.
  • You can also open the Information Field Properties window by double-clicking on the information field element with the select mouse button.