User Guide

Table Of Contents
790 Chapter 32: Creating Reports for Printing
Using the Properties sheet
Every element on a report, including the report itself, is defined by a set of properties. These
properties affect the look, feel, and behavior of each element.
For many properties, the Report Builder lets you define their values through user interface
elements, such as dialog boxes, toolbar icons, and menu items. For example, you set a text labels
font size using a toolbar icon. You can set values for all properties, however, through the
Properties sheet, which display all properties for the currently selected element.
Tip: Sometimes a report contains multiple, closely spaced elements and it is difficult to select an
individual element using the mouse. In this case, selecting the element from the Properties sheet
drop-down list is an easy way to select an element.
The Properties sheet has two views:
Sort alphabetically All properties for the currently selected element display in alphabetical
order.
Sort into groups The Properties sheet displays related properties in the following predefined
groups:
Colors and Style
Data
Font
Font Style
Formatting
Hyperlinks
Layout
Processing
The Report Builder displays only groups that relate to the currently selected element.
To set or modify a property for an element in the workspace:
1.
Select the element.
2.
The Report Builder displays its properties in the Properties sheet.
3.
Modify the property. Depending on the property, you enter a value, select a value from a list,
or open the Expression Builder to use an expression.
4.
Press Enter.
To choose a different element:
Select the element from the drop-down list. When you select a new element, the Report
Builder selects the element and displays its properties.
Tip: Although the Properties sheet is a powerful way to set properties, you typically set properties
through dialog boxes and toolbar icons. For example, you use the Report Properties dialog box to set
report-wide settings. For complete information on setting properties, see “Property reference” in
Report Builder online Help.