How to Convert Crystal Reports to RDL in Bold Reports

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Converting Crystal Reports (.rpt) to RDL (Report Definition Language) can be challenging due to differences in architecture and features. Bold Reports provides support to help you seamlessly convert your reports to the RDL format. This guide outlines the steps and best practices for successfully converting Crystal Reports (.rpt) to RDL reports in Bold Reports. The process involves understanding the differences between Crystal Reports and Bold Reports, migrating data sources and logic, and redesigning report layouts to fit the Bold Reports platform.

Key Differences Between Crystal Reports and Bold Reports

Aspect	Crystal Reports	Bold Reports
Design Interface	Section-based (Header, Footer, Detail)	Tablix-based (Tables, Matrices, Lists)
Data Handling	Direct connection to various data sources	Uses datasets via SQL queries/stored procedures
Formulas/Expressions	Proprietary Crystal syntax	Uses VB.NET expressions (=IIF(), =SUM(), etc.)
Sub-reports	Commonly used for modular reports	Less efficient; use nested datasets and data regions instead
Export Options	Multiple custom export formats	Focuses on Microsoft stack compatibility

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.

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