Understanding the Design Area (Report Builder)
The Report Builder design area consists of a report layout template and text boxes. There are three types of report layout templates: tables, matrixes, and charts. When you create a new report, a report layout and text boxes are added to the report page in the Report Builder design area.
Report Layouts
Report layouts are report items that display data when you run the report. Each report layout has areas where you drag the selected fields and entities. The drag-and-drop area is displayed on the design surface as a box with text indicating that fields can be dragged and dropped to that location. If fields already exist in the report layout, you can drop fields and entities before, after, and between fields in columns and above, between, and below fields in rows. The report layout, and rows and columns within the report layout, can all be resized.
Report Builder inserts only one report layout for each report. The following information describes the different types of report layouts available in Report Builder.
Table
A tabular report layout template presents data in a row-by-row format. You define the number of columns in the report when you add the fields and entities to the report. When you run the report, rows are added to accommodate the actual data. You can add groups to table report layouts, which organize data by selected fields or formulas. For more information about working with tables, see Working with Tables (Report Builder).
Matrix
A matrix report layout template presents data in an intersecting format, with totals displayed in the center. It is also known as a cross-tab report. When you run the report, the number of columns and rows expands to accommodate the actual data. Columns and rows can be nested within other columns or rows. You can add groups to matrix report layouts, which organize data by selected fields or formulas. For more information about working with matrices, see Working with Matrices (Report Builder).
Chart
A chart report layout template presents data graphically. Some examples of supported charts styles include bar, pie, and line charts. For more information about working with charts, see Working with Charts (Report Builder).
Text Boxes
In addition to report layout templates, the design area contains text boxes. Text boxes are used for static text. By default, a title text box is displayed but, depending on the report layout selected, additional text boxes might appear as well. Text wraps, and the text box expands downward to accommodate the text entered. You can change the formatting properties of the text box, and of the text within the box. For more information about working with text boxes, see Working with Text Boxes (Report Builder).
See Also
Tasks
How to: Create a New Report (Report Builder)
Concepts
Working with Fields (Report Builder)
Working with Report Layouts (Report Builder)
Formatting a Report (Report Builder)