Using Text Functions to Display Information

You use text functions to display report information. You can display information about a report, such as its description, information about a database that is associated with a grid, and a piece of data from your database connection.

You can use text functions in text boxes, data rows or columns, formula rows or columns, or Pages headings. Enclose the formula in double angle brackets (<<) and (>>) to distinguish different text functions. The font for the text function can be formatted like regular text. The text functions and their syntax are defined in Text Functions.

Note:

You must format the entire text function, including the angle brackets, with the same font properties in the text box.

  To use text functions to display information:

  1. Open a report, then select one of the following items:

    • Select a text box.

    • Select a heading cell, then Custom Heading from the property sheet.

    • Select the Pages drop-down list in a grid, then Custom Heading from the property sheet.

  2. Click the Insert Function button. The Insert Function dialog box is displayed.

  3. To select the desired function, perform an action:

    • Double-click the function in the Available Functions list to add it to the Selected Function list.

    • Select a function from the Available Functions list and click the Add button, Right Arrow icon, to add it to the Selected Function list.

  4. In the Select Function area, make your changes to the function’s parameters, then click OK.

    Note:

    A report designer has the option to enable or disable error messages for text functions that are displayed in the grid or text object. The default is to display error messages. To disable this feature, from the Grid Properties sheet or the Text Properties sheet, deselect the Show Text Function Errors option.

  5. Select File, and then Print Preview to run the report and display the data produced by the function.