Crystal Reports Basic Skills

Outcomes

Participants will learn the basics of report creation including sorting, grouping, linking, basic formula creation, working with report experts and how to distribute reports to other users. Participants will learn how to create basic reports that include linking, formulas, working with sections, selection criteria and report distribution.

Prerequisites

Windows (95/98/NT 4) introduction, or equivalent knowledge.

What should you be familiar with?

Experience using database applications, including any of the following:
IBM DB2, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Access, Filemaker Pro, Lotus Notes

Session Length

Two days, 9:00am - 5:00 pm

Location

This session is conducted either on site, or at our training rooms.

Topics Covered in this session

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Overview Examine the applications capabilities Think about the steps necessary to create reports Review reports and databases to be used in class Modify the program default settings Use help Creating Basic Reports Identify the sections of the report Create a new report View your report as it will print Format your report by changing the size and position of the fields Enhance your report by adding a report title and changing the font attributes of your labels Add page numbers and other document information as well as a company logo or other graphics in your report Save your report Sorting and Selecting Records Sort records Use the Select Expert to limit records Add an additional selection criterion using the "And" statement Modify composite formulas and the selection criteria statement Grouping and Summarizing Define a single level group Define a multiple level group Modify grouping options Insert subtotals and grand totals Insert summary fields Insert percent of the total fields Insert grand total summary fields Use Top N/Sort Group Expert Using the Report Expert Create new reports using the Standard Report Expert Create new reports using the Mailing Labels Report Expert Edit a report created using an Expert Basic Cross-Tabs Understanding cross-tab reports Use the Cross-Tab Expert Edit your cross-tab report Modify cross-tab layout options Format your cross-tab report Linking Understand relational database basic concepts Create links using the Visual Linking Expert Examine Link Options Look at the difference between PC and SQL links Creating Formulas Understand Formula Components Create new formulas using the Formula Editor Make changes to formulas Create and use String formulas Create and use Date functions Work with summary formulas Create and use If-Then-Else functions Formatting Sections Review sections Resize sections in Design view Use the Section Expert Create Summary and Drill Down reports Distributing Data Identify exporting options Export a report into office suite applications Create a report using spreadsheet data Discuss Web browser options to view reports on-line

Performance-based objectives

• Plan the needs for your report including data as well as appearance.
• Become familiar with components of the Crystal Reports application window.
• Create reports based directly on database information, use a report expert or create a copy of an existing report.
• Add, modify and remove report objects such as data fields, text objects, file information, graphics or decorative lines and boxes.
• Format the appearance of your report using font, colour, border and number choices.
• Change the selection criteria and sort order of your data.
• Create subtotals, grand totals and summaries for your report data.
• Create, edit and delete formulas. Understand Crystal's formula language.
• Understand linking concepts then create and modify your own links.
• Identify and control Crystal's report sections.
• Distribute your reports to those who need the information through a variety of methods.