SPF files contain a representation of the actual formatted report output, including fonts, spacing, headers, and footers. SPF files more closely represent actual report formatting than HTML files.
To preview an SPF report:
Select File, then Print Preview.
If you have not yet saved your report, you will be asked to do so. After you save the report, or if the report is already saved, SQR Production Reporting Studio displays Run Report dialog box.
The Run Report dialog box displays any previously defined parameters or restrictions on the number of pages to display.
Enter any desired command-line parameters and specify whether to limit the report preview to a specific number of pages, then click OK.
Limiting the number of pages increases performance; however, if you defined a specific sort order (see Sorting Data), SQR Production Reporting Studio does not sort the data when you limit the report preview. In addition, limiting the number of pages prevents you from saving your report in an XML file. (See Displaying Icons on the Navigation Bar for information on saving a report in an XML file). Finally, if you placed a calculated field in the Group Header section of the layout, the calculated field may not print if you limit the number of pages. (See Adding Calculated Fields for information creating calculated fields.)
If you disabled the internal browser, you can click directly on the Report tab to display the SPF report. If you enabled the internal browser, however, clicking directly on the Report tab displays the report in an HTML format, and you must select File, then Print Preview to display the SPF report.