Crystal Reports 2008 Basic
Duration
Two Days
Course Description
This two-day, interactive workshop was designed for new users of Crystal Reports 2008. 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
Administrators, developers and end-users who need to create dynamic reports from varying data sources.
Prerequisites
Working knowledge of Windows 2000/XP/Vista environment is required. Familiarity with relational database concepts (tables, fields, and records) is strongly recommended.
Course Contents
Creating a Simple 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
- Autosaving the Report
- Previewing the Report
- Refreshing the Data
- Getting Help
Formatting Features
- Quick Formatting with the Template Expert
- Formatting Objects
- Format Painter
- Inserting Lines and Boxes
- Drawing a Line
- Drawing a Box
- Inserting Graphics
- Working with the Page Commands
- Working with Text Objects
- Adding Fields into a Text Object
- Formatting Part or All of an Object
- Inserting Special Fields
Selecting Specific Records From the Database
- Filter Types of the Select Expert
- Database Filtering with the Select Expert
- Selecting Records with Multiple Criteria
- Viewing and Editing the Select Formula
- Case Sensitive vs. Case Insensitive
- Record Selection Formula Templates
Grouping and Sorting Data
- 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 Preview Panel
- Using the Group Tree to Navigate the Report
- Reordering Groups
- Sorting Records within a Group
- Using the Sort Control
- Summarizing Groups
- Additional Summary Options
- Grouping Data in Date/Time Intervals
- Calculating Percentages
- Ordering Groups Based on Their Subtotals Using the Group Sort Expert
Combining Multiple Tables
- Understanding Tables, Records, and Fields
- Learning about Linking
- Adding Multiple Tables to a Report
Creating and Using Formulas
- 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
Conditional Formatting
- Formatting Sections
- Formatting Sections Conditionally
- Conditionally Formatting Fields
Creating Summary Reports and Charts
- Creating a Summary Report
- Applying the Drill Down Feature
- Applying the DrillDownGroupLevel
- Producing Charts
- Editing Charts
- Formatting Charts
- Using the Chart Options
- Modifying Individual Objects in the Chart
- Applying Chart Templates
Exporting Your Reports Within Your Organization
- Understanding Export Formats and Destinations
- Adobe Acrobat (PDF)
- Microsoft Excel 97-2003 (XLS)
- Microsoft Excel 97-2003 Data only (XLS)
- Microsoft Word (97-2003)
- Text (TXT)
- Using the PDF Format for Crystal Reports
- HTML Preview
- Exporting to Windows Applications
- Exporting to a Report Definition Format
Using the Report Wizards
- 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
Appendix A: Mapping
- Understanding Maps
- Map Layouts
- Map Types
- Formatting the Map
- Drilling Down on Maps
- Advanced Formatting of Maps
- Changing the Geographic Map
- Using the Map Navigator
- Changing Map Layers
- Resolving Data Mismatches
Appendix B: Before You Begin
- Defining the Purpose of the Report
- Determining the Layout of the Report
- Finding the Data
- Organizing the Data for the Report
- The Workbench
Appendix C: Setting Default and Report Options
- Setting the Default Layout for Design and Preview Views
Appendix D: Pre-Qualification Text for Designer 2 Workshop
- Why Should You Pre-qualify Yourself for the Designer 2 Workshop?
- Pre-qualification Exercise
Appendix E: The Northwind 2008 Database
Appendix F: Installation and System Requirements
- Installing the Application
- Minimum Installation Requirements
