Crystal Reports Design 1

Crystal Reports XI Design I (Introductory) 2-day class

This two day interactive workshop was designed for new users of Crystal Reports XI.
Some of the topics covered include a review of the software features, report design
and the creation of presentation quality reports. The course incorporates a number of
hands on exercises to reinforce the learning process.

Prerequisite:

Working knowledge of Windows 2000/XP environment is required. Familiarity with
relational database concepts (tables, fields and records) is strongly recommended.

Before You Begin

  • Defining the Purpose of the Report
  • Determining the Layout of the Report
  • Finding the Data
  • Organizing the Data for the Report

Creating a Report

  • Starting the Crystal Reports Program
  • Starting a New Report
  • Choosing a Data Source
  • The Main Components of the Design Window
  • Exploring the Toolbars
  • Managing Resources with Explorers
  • Placing Fields on the Report
  • Selecting and Sizing Objects
  • Browsing Field Data
  • Moving and Aligning Objects
  • Using Guides and Guidelines to Move and Align Objects
  • Creating Text Objects
  • Saving the Report
  • Auto-saving the Report
  • Previewing the Report
  • Refreshing the Data
  • Getting Help
  • Challenge Exercise – Creating a Basic Report

Formatting Features

  • Quick Formatting with the Template Expert
  • Using the Format Painter
  • Formatting Objects
  • Inserting Lines and Boxes
  • Drawing a Line
  • Drawing a Box
  • Inserting Graphics
  • Working with the Page
  • Commands
  • Changing Page Orientation
  • Changing Margins
  • Working with Text Objects
  • Adding Fields into a Text Object
  • Formatting Part or All of an Object
  • Inserting Special Fields

Database Filters

  • Filtering Data with the Select Expert
  • Selecting Records with Multiple Criteria
  • Viewing and Editing the Select Formula
  • Case Sensitive vs. Case Insensitive
  • Record Selection
  • Formula Templates
  • Challenge Exercise – Selecting Specific Records
  • Challenge Exercise – Selecting a Range of Values

Report Grouping

  • When and Why to Group Records
  • Creating a Group
  • Group and Sort Direction
  • Customize Group
  • Name Field
  • Modifying Groups
  • Creating Multiple Groups in a Report
  • Using the Group Tree to Navigate the Report
  • Reordering Groups
  • Summarizing Groups
  • Additional Summary Options
  • Grouping Data in Date/Time Intervals
  • Calculating Percentages
  • Ordering Groups Based on Their Subtotals Using the Group Sort Expert
  • Challenge Exercise – Grouping, Sorting, Summarizing
  • Challenge Exercise – Calculating Percentages Basic Reporting

Multiple Table Joins

  • Understanding Tables, Records, and Fields
  • Learning About Linking
  • Adding Multiple Tables to a Report
  • Challenge Exercise – Using the Database Expert to Link Tables

Creating Formulas

  • Understanding Crystal Formula Syntax without Being a Programmer
  • About the Formula Workshop
  • Using the Formula Workshop
  • Using the Formula Editor
  • The Formula Editor Toolbar
  • Performing Simple Number Calculations
  • Manipulating Dates with Formulas
  • Creating Boolean
  • (True/False) Formulas
  • Creating String Formulas
  • Using Bookmarks to Navigate Through Formulas
  • Challenge Exercise – Creating String Formulas
  • Challenge Exercise – Doing Calculations
  • Challenge Exercise – Subtracting Dates
  • Challenge Exercise – Using Nested If Statements

Conditional Formatting

  • The Highlighting Expert
  • Setting Highlighting Priorities
  • Formatting Sections
  • Formatting Sections Conditionally
  • Formatting Fields
  • Challenge Exercise – Section Formatting and Conditional Formatting

Summary Reports and Charts

  • Creating a Summary Report
  • Applying the Drill Down Feature
  • Applying the DrillDown Group Level
  • Producing Charts
  • Editing Charts
  • Formatting Charts
  • Using the General Chart Options
  • Modifying Individual Objects in the Chart
  • Using Auto-Arrange Chart
  • Applying Chart Templates
  • Challenge Exercise – Creating a Summary Report
  • Challenge Exercise – Charting

Exporting Reports

  • Understanding Export Formats and Destinations
  • Using an HTML Format for Crystal Reports
  • Exporting to Windows Applications
  • Exporting to a Report
  • Definition Format

Default Options

  • Setting the Default Layout for Design and Preview Views

Report Wizards

  • What are the Report Wizards?
  • Create a Report Using the Standard Report
  • Creation Wizard
  • The Data Dialog Box
  • The Fields Dialog Box
  • The Grouping Dialog Box
  • The Summaries Dialog Box
  • The Group Sorting Dialog Box
  • The Chart Dialog Box
  • The Record Selection Dialog Box
  • The Template Dialog Box
  • Challenge Exercise – Create a Report Using a Report Wizard
  • Adding Flexibility to Reports