There are ready to use default print templates provided within your Innovative system. However, you can also create custom print templates using 3rd party software. Innovative supports the following 3rd party software. Be aware that different versions of your system require using different versions of supported software:
Sierra Window's Version -- supported 3rd party software
For Mac or Linux versions visit the CSDirect Downloads (Log-in Required) web page.
Required: A Java Runtime Environment (JRE) is required to run iReport. This Java software is free and can be downloaded from java.com.
Installation Hints for Jaspersoft Studio 6.0.0
There maybe a security warning after downloading Jasper Studio from CSDirect. The following image shows this error after downloading the software with Internet Explorer.
This error is due to a signature issue with the installer, and it's alright to proceed with running the Jaspersoft Studio program installer. Another error you may see with Windows 8 or Windows 10 after initiating the installer is shown in the image below.
Select the "More info" link, and the window will change to the following:
Now select "Run anyway" to launch the Jaspersoft Studio 6.0.0 installation wizard.
Jaspersoft Studio Workspace
When Jaspersoft Studio is ran for the first time after installation. The program will ask about setting up the default "workspace". This dialog is shown in the image below.
Most likely this is set to the default file path which can lead to some confusion when trying to locate print template files. However, it is possible to change the define "workspace". To change the "workspace" select "Switch Workspace" from the File menu within Japsersoft Studio.
The following dialog box will be shown, and a new "workspace" path can now be defined.
It is advised to keep all the print template files together. The above image shows that the new workspace will be located within the Sierra Desktop App directory (C:\Sierra Desktop App\Print Templates\Jaspersoft). After selecting "OK" Jaspersoft Studio will switch over to the newly defined workspace.
Remember that all new template files will be stored in the current defined workspace.
Panels in Jaspersoft Studio
After opening a default template in Jaspersoft Studio (6.0.0), the default window should look similar to the following:
Files
This shows the .jrxml files (print template file extension) currently open and being edited in Jaspersoft Studio (6.0.0):
Another thing to note is if you see an asterisk by the file name, this is a visual clue that the file(s) has not yet been saved.
Outline View Panel
The Outline View (Document Structure) panel:
The following icon within the Outline View panel...
...represents a "band." A band is generally different sections within the template.
This shows the different bands (sections) of the template in expanded view:
Bands And Their Description
A couple of things to remember:
Properties View Panel
The Properties panel advanced view:
To show the properties for a certain element, select the element within the "Outline View". Then select to view the "Properties" tab. (Toolbar | Window | Show View | Properties).
The Properties View panel contains the properties for whatever element is selected. If you haven't clicked on a particular element, the properties are for the entire form (called a "Report" in Jasperstudio). You can change the size, margins, orientation and other properties of the form here.
There is also an editor available for some element properties such as a "Text Field". The following image shows the Properties View panel for the Text Field in a print template with the Expression Editor button outlined in red.
After clicking on the button the TextField Expression Editor will appear.
Fields
There are two types of fields available. One type is called "Text Field", and this field represents the data available from the template's data library coming from your system (Sierra/Millennium). The second type is called "Static Text", and this field is used for text that doesn't change like a label. The following image shows the Text Field and Static Text field icons.
Remember with each field you can also look at the "Properties".
This shows the different fields (text field/static text) of the template in expanded view:
Palette
The palette displays the basic fields which can be added to a template (Toolbar | Window | Show View | Palette). These elements are then populated with text, images, or data fields from your system.
Preview and Report State View
After making changes to a template it is advised to use the "Preview" tab.
By selecting this tab the template is automatically compiled and checked for any errors. The more advanced the template becomes previewing it often can help troubleshoot any errors with the template. These errors will show in the "Report State View".
This shows the Report State View with errors. This can be useful when troubleshooting errors with templates: