“I appreciate the fact that we were able to easily deviate from the book when possible to cover more interesting & advanced topics. [Instructor] is very knowledgeable and honest about BO XI capabilities. Thanks.”
– John F, FedEx
“[Instructor] is very knowledgeable in this subject and is able to communicate information in an easy, understandable manner. I look forward to doing the advanced class…”
– Kimberley G, Rogers Wireless
“This instructor gets a 10 out of 10. He is brilliant and has the expertise and teaching methodology that makes this type of course fun and educational. Highly recommend for future courses!!! OUTSTANDING!!!!!!!!!!!”
– Attendee, Burger King Corporation
Course Description
This two day interactive workshop was designed for new users of Crystal Reports. 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.
Audience
This course is targeted for users that are new to Crystal Report development and need to learn the basic reporting techniques in Crystal. reports.
Objectives
After completing this course, students will be able to create simple queries and joins, understand and use database filters, create formulas, create groups in reports, learn about report formatting, use conditional formatting, create charts in reports, export reports in other formats, create summary reports and learn about report wizards and options. The course provides extensive workshops to reinforce the concepts taught in class.
Duration & Version
2 Days – Crystal Reports 2008 to 2016
Prerequisites
Working knowledge of Windows environment is required. Familiarity with relational database concepts (tables, fields and records) is strongly recommended.
Topics Covered
Basic Reporting
Defining the Purpose of the Report
Determining the Layout of the Report
Finding the Data
Organizing the Data for the 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
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 Objects
Formatting Part or All of an Object
Inserting Special Fields
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
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
Calculating Percentages
Ordering Groups Based on Their Subtotals Using the Group Sort Expert
Challenge Exercise – Grouping, Sorting, Summarizing
Challenge Exercise – Calculating Percentages
Adding Flexibility to Reports
Understanding Tables, Records, and Fields
Learning About Linking
Adding Multiple Tables to a Report
Challenge Exercise – Using the Database Expert to Link Tables
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
The Highlighting Expert
Setting Highlighting Priorities
Formatting Sections
Formatting Section Conditionally
Formatting Fields
Challenge Exercise – Section Formatting and Conditional Formatting
Creating a Summary Report
Applying the Drill Down Features
Applying the Drill Down 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
Understanding Export Formats and Destinations
Using HTML Format for Crystal Reports
Exporting to Windows Applications
Exporting to a Report Definition Format
Setting the Default Layout for Design and Preview Views
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 – Creating a Report Using a Report Wizard