Create a Basic iReport Template
Creating a Basic iReport Template Using the Wizard
There is a wizard in iReport to help in the process of creating new iReport templates. To create an iReport template using the Wizard:
- In the File menu → New....
- Select the template you would like to use for your report. Blank A4 or an IMSMA specific template are preferrable
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At iReport startup, it can take several seconds to load the window with the templates. The next time you click on New... however, the templates appear instantaneously. |
iReport Wizard – Step 1
- Click the Launch Report Wizard button.
iReport Wizard - Step 2
- Select the desired Data Source for the report and choose Next
iReport Wizard - Step 3
- Select the desired data fields for the report and choose Next
iReport Wizard - Step 4
| iReport Wizard – Buttons for selecting fields | |
| Button | Description |
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Includes the selected field in the report. |
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Includes data for all fields in the report. |
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Deletes the selected field from the report. |
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Deletes all fields from the report. |
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It is recommended to always include the guid field when designing a report |
- Click the Next button. The group by step allows you to list item records that have the same value for the selected group by field together in the report. If you would like to group the report data, select the attribute on which you would like to group the data from the Group list.
iReport Wizard - Step 5
- Click the Next button and then Finish
The Wizard is complete and the iReport template designer window is open. Depending on your selections your template will look different from the example below.
iReport Wizard - Final Step
iReport Designer Orientation
Once your initial iReport template has been created you can begin adding data elements to the template, modifying the layout and formatting, and other aspects of modifying an iReport Template. Below is a brief orientation to the panes and functions available in the iReport Designer. If any of the panes or windows are unavailable they can be added back by selecting the relevant item from the Window menu.
Report Inspector
The Report Inspector pane displays a hierarchical structure of the iReport template and provides access to the available fields, parameters, and variables as well as all formatting elements of the report. Each node can be expanded for more details about the elements contained in it.
Report Canvas
The middle area of the iReport Designer displays a graphical representation of the iReport template that corresponds to the hierarchical structure in the Report Inspector. In this pane you move elements around on the canvas as well as select individual elements for editing.
Properties Pane
This pane will display all of the properties of items selected in the Report Inspector or Report Canvas. The Properties Pane displays a context-senstive list of properties for any selected item for editing.
Palette
The Palette is the area where individual graphic elements can be selected and dragged onto the canvas. This includes subreports and crosstab elements.
Formatting Tools
The Formatting Tools pane provides access to various formatting functions designed to manage the size and space between elements on the report.
iReport Output
This pane displays any problems or output from the reports.
XML and Preview Views
In addition to the Designer View, iReport Designer provides 2 additional views, the XML View and the Preview. Using the XML View you can get an editable version of the .jrxml file created by iReport Designer. This is useful for troubleshooting specific problems with a report but is generally only for advanced users.
XML View
The Preview view runs the current version of the iReport template and generates an output file with the results of the report. This is useful for ensuring that the report is functioning as desired prior to importing into IMSMANG. This is the primary method for running iReport templates within the iReport Designer.
Preview View
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