Create a new report template

In addition to the templates provided, you can create your own report templates and add them to the Designer Wizard.

To create a new report template, first create a report template schema definition (.rsd) to define the expected structure for the data source and then create the report template (.4rt). Any new templates must be added to the Designer Wizard.

Before you begin:If you have not yet setup a custom directory to store your templates (e.g: My Report Templates), see Set the report template directory.

Create a new report template schema

  1. Go to File > New > Reports, select Template Schema Definition(.rsd), and click OK.
    A new .rsd file opens.
  2. Using the available elements, create a structure for the elements that will be used as placeholders in the report template.

    For example:

    <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<ReportSchema rootElementName="verySimpleSchema" fileVersion="30000" gstVersion="30000" >
<Field name="testBool" type="boolean" sampleValue="1"/>
    <Field name="testString" type="string"/>
    <Field name="testNumber" type="double"/>
</ReportSchema>

    See the Report template schema definition file (.rsd) topic for more information.

  3. Save the file to your report template directory.

Create a new report template

  1. Go to File > New > Reports, select Empty Report Template(.4rt), and click OK.
    A new .4rt file opens.
  2. In the Data View tab, click Open Schema File.
  3. Navigate to the location that you saved your .rsd file in Step 3, select the .rsd file, and click Open.
    The structure of the elements from the .rsd file that you selected is visible in the Data View tab.
  4. Save the .4rt file to your report template directory.
    You have now created a report template that you can design to suit your requirements.
    Note: The report template has the same elements as the report design document. In addition, the report template contains a special elements, the template field.

When you have completed the above procedure, go to File > New to open the wizard. Select Report from Template to view your new report template in the list.