Report objects A report page usually includes various kinds of objects. These may involve image and text objects as well as graphic objects. For each object there are individual char- acteristics which can be defined, which are different for each object type. A certain object type, the record object, can consist of numerous other objects. You can define individual object templates for record objects. In doing so, you not only create a wealth of different record objects, but also guarantee a uniform appearance of the record objects in different reports.
Placeholder Several objects serve as placeholders. Image objects and record objects are typical placeholders. These objects are usually defined in a report template. If you then cre- ate a report based on this template, the placeholders are filled with concrete images
Related Topics
Report Generator
Report objects - Background information
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or database information. Diagrams, sheets and single sheet cells can be defined as placeholders.
Use a placeholder’s properties, e. g., size and position to define the properties of im- ages or texts you wish to later insert into a report.
Background objects Background objects are defined on the template page and appear on each page of the report which is based on this template page. A company logo, address, or frame are common background objects.
AutoText AutoTexts are texts defined on the template page and which are updated for each new report page automatically. Creation date and page number are typical Auto- Texts.
Selecting objects You generally have to select objects first before you are able to edit them. Leftclick once on the object to select it. Selection markers indicate that an object has been se- lected.
Selecting several ob- jects
If you keep the [Shift] key depressed, you can select several objects. All objects you select will be indicated by selection markers: the last one you select has gray mark- ers, and the rest white. Or, keep the left mouse button depressed, move the mouse to draw up a frame that encompasses all the objects you wish to select.
Object Properties You have numerous possibilities to alter the properties of an object:
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Doubleclick on the object.•
Select the object and then click the Properties button in the Report Objects but- ton bar.•
Select the object, then rightclick and choose the Properties context-menu com- mand.The buttons of the Re- port Objects button bar are for all report objects which can be inserted. This button bar is part of report generator and only appears when the report window is active. You will find the button bar on the right edge of the user interface by de- fault. Image Objects 177 Inserting diagrams 197 Inserting sheets 192 Background objects 199 AutoTexts 189
Report Generator Report objects - Background information
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Size and position You can alter the size and position of all report objects either in the object properties by entering absolute numeric values, or alter them directly with the mouse. You can use the ruled borders of the report window as positioning aids.
Altering object size via mouse
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Select the object - keeping the left mouse button depressed - and drag one of the selection markers in the direction desired. When simply altering size, the po- sition of the selection marker opposite the one you have selected will remain un- changed.•
Press the [Shift] key when you move the corner point of an object via mouse if you want to keep the length/width ratio of the object frame the same.•
Press the [Ctrl] key to keep the center point constant when altering size of the object frame.Altering ob- ject position via mouse
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Select the object. Move the object with the mouse by keeping the left mouse button depressed.•
You can also select and move more than one object at the same time. This means that the objects’ positions relative to one another remain the same.•
To move a copy of the object - and not the object itself - press the [Ctrl] key while moving the object.Positioning objects approximately
Use the mouse for an initial and approximate positioning of objects. Select one or more objects. You can pick up the selected object(s) by leftclicking and then, keeping the left mouse button depressed, you move the mouse to move the object(s) to where you wish to have it (them). Use the grid alignment to be able to position objects fast.
Fine-tuned posi- tioning
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Select one or more objects and use the arrow keys (on the keyboard) to move the object in the direction desired. Press the [Shift] key to increase the distance moved (each time you press a key) from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm.
Use the buttons of the Position button bar to fine-tune your positions.
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Select one or more objects and use one of the buttons of the Position button bar to move the object selected in the direction desired. Each click represents 0.1 mm.•
Select one or more objects and use the Position and Size tab if you wish to enter the position of an object as an absolute numeric value.Positioning aids
Status bar When you select an object, its exact size and position will be shown in the status bar. Ruler When positioning or altering the size of objects, its dimensions and current position are shown in relation to the rulers of the report window. You can turn rulers ‘on’ or ‘off’ in the Report Properties dialog box. The unit of the rulers is also determined along with the report properties. The following units are available: cm, inch, mm and pt.
Grid Use the grid as a positioning aid while inserting objects. You can display the grid in the report properties and alter its size. When inserting an object, it is automatically aligned on the grid.
Align button bar Use the buttons on the Align button bar to arrange numerous objects relatively to one another. The position of the reference object is crucial for alignment. The reference object is the object you last selected. It’s easy to recognize with its gray selection markers (any other objects have white selection markers). Position and size of the reference object is unaffected by operations conducted.
The buttons of the but- ton bar are only active if numerous objects have been selected.
Report Generator Report objects - Step-by-step
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Mirroring You can mirror an object by altering the size of the object. Drag, e. g., the lower right- hand corner of a text or image object over the upper left-hand corner in order to invert the text or image.
Aligning overlap- ping objects
Objects that overlap each other may partially or completely cover each other up. The object that was inserted last is generally in the foreground. You can, however, later alter the order of the objects. Individual objects can then be partially or completely placed in the background.
You will find the Order and Groupbutton bar in the Button Barsmenu located in the report window's context menu.
Step-by-step
Insert report object
1) Load an already existing report or create a new one.
2) Click on any position on the report page to activate the report window.
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The Report Objects button bar is only displayed if the report window is ac- tive. You will find the button bar on the right edge of the user interface by default.•
The first button Select Objects of the Report Objects button bar is engaged by default. In this mode, you can select and edit as many objects on the report page as you like.3) To draw a new graphic object click the corresponding button in the Report Ob- ject button bar, e. g., the Rectangle button.
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Within the report window, the mouse cursor will now change shape - into a cross-shaped symbol - indicating that you may now define the object. Please note that no other action is allowed in the report as long as your im- age analysis program is waiting for the definition of an object. You will no- tice this mode by the fact that the object button located on the Report Objects button bar is now engaged.4) Defined the object on the report page. For example, keep the left mouse button depressed and drag the rectangle to its desired size.
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Please note: Some objects might require numerous mouse clicks when de- fining them. End the definition of such an object by clicking the right mouse button."
The object is inserted as selected so that you can edit it right away. Once again, the Select Objects button, which is the first button on the Report Ob- jects button bar, is engaged.•
However, you can alter the position and the size of the inserted object any time.5) In order to format the object, rightclick and select the Properties... command.
Aligning objects in relation to one another 1) Show the Align button bar, should it not be visible.
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To do this, rightclick on any place within the report to open a context-sen- sitive menu. All button bars having to do with report generator are listed be- neath the Button Bars entry. Select the Align button bar.Report Generator