How to Convert Crystal Reports to RDL in Bold Reports

Crystal Reports and Bold Reports provide comparable reporting capabilities, enabling organizations to design, generate, and deploy dynamic reports from various data sources. Crystal Reports uses the proprietary .RPT format, while Bold Reports uses the open RDL/RDLC standard, which is fully compatible with SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) for seamless integration and web deployment. Migrating from Crystal Reports to Bold Reports offers advantages such as built-in cloud support, an intuitive report designer, and enhanced extensibility options.

There is no direct automated tool to convert .RPT files to RDL. However, Bold Reports provides an effective workaround using the Word-to-RDL utility export your Crystal Report to a Word document (DOCX/DOC), then upload it to the utility to generate an RDL file while preserving much of the original formatting and layout. Note that the converted RDL may require manual adjustments (e.g., data sources, parameters, or layout fixes) in the Bold Reports Designer.

This guide outlines the steps and best practices for successfully converting Crystal Reports (.rpt) to RDL reports in Bold Reports. The conversion process involves understanding the differences between Crystal Reports and Bold Reports, migrating data sources and logic, and redesigning report layouts to suit the Bold Reports platform.

Steps to Convert Crystal Reports to RDL

Analyze the Crystal Report

Before starting the conversion, you need to understand the structure of the Crystal Report you want to convert, including:

Layout and design: Headers, footers, Body, groups, and details.
Data sources and datasets: Note database connections, queries, and stored procedures.
Parameters and filters: Record user inputs and filtering logic.
Formulas and Expressions: Take note of custom logic for calculations.

Extract Data from the Crystal Reports

Identify all data sources and stored procedures used in the Crystal Report (e.g., SQL databases, XML files).
Document the data source configuration so it can be replicated in RDL.
Test database connections to ensure they are accessible and functioning correctly.

Recreate the Report in Bold Report Designer

Use Bold Reports Designer or Server to rebuild the report.

Create a new RDL project.
Import and configure connections to the database used in the Crystal Report.
Replicate the report layout from the original Crystal Report, using elements like tables, charts, and other RDL-supported report items.
Apply groupings and sorting logic in the Tablix or list elements.
Add parameters for user inputs as defined in the Crystal Report.
Rewrite any formulas or calculations using RDL’s expression language.
Apply formatting and ensure the new design matches the original report including font styles, colors, and alignment.

Test the Report

Compare the RDL report with the original Crystal Report to ensure:

Data is accurate and complete.
Layout and formatting are consistent.
Parameters and other functionalities like groupings work as expected.

Deploy the RDL

Preview the RDL report to ensure it renders correctly as it was in the Crystal.

Converting Crystal Reports to RDL for Bold Reports requires thorough planning and implementation. By adhering to the steps provided in this guide, you can facilitate a seamless migration to Bold Reports.