User`s guide

4.4.5 BLOB (Binary Large Object) fields
A BLOB field is a database field whose data consists of Binary Large Objects—such as bitmap graphics,
images, OLE objects, metafiles, and so on. Inserting a BLOB field into your report allows you to access
these binary objects as you would other data types.
Note:
Crystal Reports can also access BLOB objects by reference (that is, dynamically through a file path),
so that you do not need to store the BLOB objects in your database. For more information, see Making
a static OLE object dynamic.
In general, Crystal Reports allows you to access BLOB fields containing:
• Device-independent bitmaps (DIB).
• JPEG, TIFF, or PNG images.
In addition, if your data resides in a Microsoft Access database, then Crystal Reports enables you to
report on BLOB fields containing OLE 1 and 2 objects and metafiles.
You insert BLOB fields as you would any other database field. For details, see To insert a database
field.
A BLOB field object differs from other database field objects in that it offers options to control cropping,
scaling, and sizing—just like an inserted picture or OLE object. To access these options, right-click the
BLOB field object, select Format Graphic from the shortcut menu, and click the Picture tab.
Note:
To retain the ability to activate and edit an OLE object with its server application, you should insert the
object into your report independently, either by linking or by embedding, rather than inserting it in a
BLOB field. For more information about inserting linked and embedded OLE objects, see Inserting OLE
objects into reports.
4.4.6 Formatting data
At this point in creating a report, you may want to do some basic formatting. Perhaps you would like to
change the font size and style of a text object used as a title. Or, if you have a number field, such as a
sales figure, you might want to place a dollar sign before the number or change the number of decimal
places displayed.
2012-03-1483
Introduction to Reporting