There are multiple types of compound reports that can be built in Document Composer:
Note: The technology used during design time and run time is different. This may result in the run-time document not looking exactly the same as it does during design time.
A compound layout report is comprised of individual component reports or graphs, either embedded or external. Reports and graphs can be positioned anywhere on the page. When you create a report or open Document Composer, the Properties window shows the compound document properties for the compound layout report.
You can create pre-process code that applies to all objects added to a document. For example, if a report or graph within your document requires the joining of two tables, you can create pre-process code that joins those two tables. This join can then be used by any object in the document and any items following the pre-process code.
In addition, you can create post-process code that runs after the document is run. This can be used in conjunction with pre-process code. For example, using pre-process code, you could create a join. You could then use the post-process code to clear that join.
Note: Pre-process code and post-process code are not meant to display output.
While in a document:
The procedure viewer window opens.
Here, you can create the pre-process code that the document will use. A join is being used in this example.
Note:
Normally, double-clicking a report frame prompts you to select a Master File for creating a report. However, when pre-process code or post-process code is present, the procedure viewer opens instead.
The pre-process code is displayed, with the last block being a comment that states:
Do not move, remove, or modify. Pre-process code above.
This comment separates pre-process code from component code. Adding component blocks before this comment, or editing what is already there, modifies the pre-process code. Adding blocks after this comment affects the component code.
Report Painter opens.
The pre-process code joined the videotrk and movies Master Files, allowing you to use data from both in your report.
While in a document:
The procedure viewer window opens.
Here, you can create the post-process code that the document will use. A join clear is being used in this example.
Note: Any pre-process code you created is shown in the procedure viewer. Do not modify or delete the pre-process code when creating or modifying post-process code.
After the document runs, the post-process code will clear all joins. When combined with pre-processing code, you can create the joins before the document is run and clear the joins after.
Whether you are using an embedded or external report, you must first create the report frame. To create the report frame:
Your cursor becomes a crosshair.
You can use Document Composer to add embedded reports by either creating a report or importing an existing procedure.
External reports are reports that are created and saved outside of Document Composer. To reference (or add) an external report, right-click the report frame and select Reference existing procedure. An EX command will be used to execute the component procedure at run time.
You can layer objects that are added to the page layout by using the object context menu shown in the following image:
The options are:
Bring to front. Moves an object to the front so that it is stacked on top of every other object it overlaps with.
Send to back. Moves an object to the back so that it is stacked below every other object it overlaps with.
Move forward. Moves an object forward one position in the stacking z-order.
Move backward. Moves an object backwards one position in the stacking z-order.
When using any of these commands, the stacking order of the object will change. This is reflected in the z-index property in the Properties window, The z-index is the stacking order of a specific object.
The following graph image output formats are supported in Document Composer:
A coordinated compound layout coordinates all reports and graphs from the document with a common sort field. The coordinated report is burst into separate page layouts at run time, where each value for the first sort field displays on a separate page.
Note: When processing a coordinated compound document with missing values, any component that does not have data corresponding to the sort value will be presented as a blank (empty) component.
Note: Coordinate report is set to Off by default.
The output is burst into separate page layouts by the common sort field.
In the example image below, the coordinated compound layout runs in PDF output with REGION as the common sort field among the report and graph within the document.
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