Using the Properties sheet

Every element on a report, including the report itself, is defined by a set of properties. These properties affect the look, feel, and behavior of each element.

For many properties, the Report Builder lets you define their values through user interface elements, such as dialog boxes, toolbar icons, and menu items. For example, you set a text label's font size using a toolbar icon. You can set values for all properties, however, through the Properties sheet, which display all properties for the currently selected element.

Tip: Sometimes a report contains multiple, closely spaced elements and it is difficult to select an individual element using the mouse. In this case, selecting the element from the Properties sheet drop-down list is an easy way to select an element.

The Properties sheet has two views:

Sort alphabetically All properties for the currently selected element display in alphabetical order.

Sort into groups The Properties sheet displays related properties in the following predefined groups:

• Colors and Style
• Data
• Font
• Font Style
• Formatting
• Hyperlinks
• Layout
• Processing

The Report Builder displays only groups that relate to the currently selected element.

To set or modify a property for an element in the workspace:

1. Select the element.
2. The Report Builder displays its properties in the Properties sheet.
3. Modify the property. Depending on the property, you enter a value, select a value from a list, or open the Expression Builder to use an expression.
4. Press Enter.

To choose a different element:

• Select the element from the drop-down list. When you select a new element, the Report Builder selects the element and displays its properties.

Tip: Although the Properties sheet is a powerful way to set properties, you typically set properties through dialog boxes and toolbar icons. For example, you use the Report Properties dialog box to set report-wide settings. For complete information on setting properties, see "Property reference" in Report Builder online Help.

View comments in LiveDocs