How to Use the Text Editor in Bold Reports Designer

The Text Editor in Bold Reports Designer, when used alongside the Expression Editor, enables users to create dynamic reports by combining static text, dataset fields, and expressions within Tablix cells.

This guide provides a step-by-step process for accessing the Text Editor, inserting multiple expressions into a single textbox, applying distinct formatting styles, and previewing the results.

Step 1: Accessing the Text Editor

1. Select a Tablix Cell
   • In Bold Reports Designer, locate the Tablix in your report.
   • Click the desired cell to activate it for editing.
2. Open the Text Editor
   • Click the pencil icon in the selected cell to launch the Text Editor.
   • The editor opens in a dialog box, allowing you to enter static text or expressions.
     
     

Step 2: Adding Static Text

1. Input or Edit Text
   • In the Text Editor, type static text (e.g., “Product Details:”) or modify existing content.
2. Format Static Text
   • Use the Properties Panel (typically on the right) to adjust:
     • Font Type: Choose from available fonts (e.g., Arial, Calibri).
     • Font Size: Set the size in points (e.g., 12pt).
     • Font Color: Select a color for emphasis.
     • Font Weight: Apply bold, italic, or regular styles.
   • Click Save to apply the changes.
     
     

Step 3: Inserting Expressions

• The Expression Editor allows you to add data fields form the dataset into the Tablix cells.

1. Open the Expression Editor

   • In the Text Editor, place the cursor where you want to insert the expression.
   • Right-click and select Expression from the context menu to open the Expression Editor.
     
     

2. Create an Expression

   • Enter a valid expression, such as =Fields!ProductNumber.Value, to pull a field from your dataset (e.g., product number).
   • Use the Expression Editor’s interface to browse available fields, functions, or parameters.
   • Click OK to insert the expression into the Text Editor.
     
     

3. Verify Expression Syntax

   • Ensure expressions reference valid dataset fields (e.g., Fields!ProductNumber.Value must match a dataset column).
   • Invalid expressions can cause errors during report preview.

Step 4: Combining Multiple Expressions

1. Add Additional Expressions
   • Position the cursor in the Text Editor where the next expression belongs (e.g., after static text or another expression).
   • Right-click, select Expression, and add another field, such as =Fields!Name.Value for product names.
   • Click OK to save.
2. Separate Expressions
   • Add spaces, hyphens, or other delimiters (e.g., " - ") between expressions for clarity in the rendered report.
   • Example: Combining =Fields!ProductNumber.Value and =Fields!Name.Value may display as “12345 - Widget” with a hyphen separator.
     

Step 5: Applying Distinct Styles to Expressions

1. Highlight the Expression
   • In the Text Editor, select the expression (e.g., =Fields!Name.Value) by highlighting it.
2. Apply Formatting
   • In the Properties Panel, under Basic Settings, adjust:
     • Font Size: Increase for emphasis (for example, 14pt for product names).
     • Font Color: Use contrasting colors (for example, blue for numbers, black for names).
     • Font Weight: Apply bold to highlight important data.
   • Add spacing or separators (for example, commas or pipes) for visual clarity.
3. Save Changes
   • Click Save to apply formatting to the selected expression.
     
     

Step 5: Preview

• Click Preview to verify that the expressions and formatting appear as expected.
• Ensure the layout and styles align with your report design requirements.
  
  

Conclusion

The Text Editor and Expression Editor in Bold Reports Designer enable users to create dynamic, visually appealing reports by combining static text, dataset fields, and custom formatting within Tablix cells. By following these steps, you can craft reports that clearly communicate insights to stakeholders.

Related Articles

• Built-In Function Expressions in Bold Reports
• Configuring Data Sources in Bold Reports
• Designing Tablix Reports