How to Use Report Parts to Simulate Subreports in Headers and Footers
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Bold Reports is based on the RDL specification, which does not allow subreport items to be placed directly within page headers or footers. To achieve similar functionality, you can use Report Parts to incorporate reusable and dynamic content, such as company branding, logos, or contact information, across multiple reports.
Using Report Parts ensures a consistent design throughout your reports and makes maintenance easier, as any changes made to a Report Part are automatically applied to all reports that reference it.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Create the Reusable Content
- Open the Bold Reports Designer and drag a Rectangle report item onto the design canvas.
- Add the required report items (such as Text Boxes, Images, or Lines) you need to appear in your report.
- Configure the required properties, including fonts, colors, and data bindings exactly as you want them to be displayed.
2. Publish the Content as a Report Part
- Once your design is ready, select the report items (Rectangle) you want to reuse.
- From the toolbar menu, click the dropdown and select Publish as Report Part.
- In the Publish Report Part dialog:
- Name: Enter a descriptive name (for example, Standard Company Header).
- Description: (Optional) Add a brief description of the content.
- Category: Choose a category to organize the Report Part.
- Click Publish.
3. Add the Report Part to the Header or Footer
- Open the report where you want to add the reusable content.
- Navigate to the Report Parts tab in the designer panel (usually located next to the Item Panel).
- Locate the published Report Part.
- Drag and drop the Report Part into the Header or Footer section of your report, resize and reposition the report item as needed to match your layout design.
4. Preview and Verify the Report
- Click the Preview button in the top toolbar.
- Verify that the content is displayed correctly on every page.
Conclusion
By using Report Parts, you can reuse content across multiple reports and add subreport-like elements to report headers and footers. This approach improves consistency, reduces duplicate design effort, and simplifies maintenance.
