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Print Templates 101: iReport Editor

iReport

iReport is the standard program used to edit templates in Millennium. Different versions of your system require using different versions of iReport:

Millennium Window's Version:

  • Release 2011--v. 4.0.2
  • Release 2009A & 2009B--v 1.3.3

Sierra Window's Version

For Mac or Linux versions visit the CSDirect Downloads (Log-in Required) iReport web page.  Please note that iReport version 4.0.2 is not compatible with the Windows 7 theme. If you're currently running Windows 7, be sure to switch over to the Windows Classic theme before using iReport software.

   Required: A Java Runtime Environment (JRE) is required to run iReport.  This Java software is free and can be downloaded from java.com

   Note: The latest Java download for Windows (version 8) is not compatible with iReport 4.0.2.  You will have to install an older version of Java in order for iReport 4.0.2 to work.  It is recommended that you install the latest Java Version 7.

Important: Java 7 Information - Java SE 7 End of Public Updates Notice

After April 2015, Oracle will no longer post updates of Java SE 7 to its public download sites. Existing Java SE 7 downloads already posted as of April 2015 will remain accessible in the Java Archive on the Oracle Technology Network.

   Recommended: You can avoid some Java security concerns by installing Java 7. The Installing Java 7 document found below will walk you through the process.

iReport 4.0.2 Editor Layout in Detail

Panels in iReport

After opening a default template in iReport (4.0.2), 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 iReport (4.0.2):

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Report Inspector
The Report Inspector (Document Structure) panel:

The following icon...

...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

  • Title-is printed only one time and it's the first band. It can be printed on a separate page.
  • Page header-is printed on each page.
  • Column header-is printed on each page that contains a detail band. If a page is split in one or more columns, this band is printed on each column.
  • Detail-is printed for each record in the source. Corresponds to every record which is read by the data source; usually one record, although for purchase orders it will correspond to multiple order records. Most of the print elements will be placed here. If using multiple records, the height of this band is the space given to each record.
  • Column footer-is printed on each page that contains a detail band. If a page is split in one or more columns, this band is printed on each column.
  • Page footers-is printed on each page. This is a good place where put something like "Page X of Y."
  • Summary-is printed only one time at the end of the report. It can be printed on a separate page.
  • Background-Is a special band that can be used to define a page background.

A couple of things to remember:

  • Make sure to use a Text Field for fields that requires Java code. Don't use Static Text fields.
  • Horizontal portions of a document are always the width of the page. The height of the bands can be easily manipulated, but the sum of all band heights (except "Background") must be less than or equal to the page height minus margins. To eliminate unwanted bands, make their height 0 in Properties (or drag other bands up or down).

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Properties
The Properties panel:

 

To show the properties for a certain element, select the element within the "Report Inspector." Then select the "Properties" button (right-hand side).

 

The Properties pane 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 iReport). You can change the size, margins, orientation and other properties of the form here.

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Fields
The following icon...

...represents a "field". A field represent the data library available from Millennium. Remember with each field you can also look at the "Properties".

This shows the different fields (data) of the template in expanded view:

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Palette
The palette displays the basic fields which can be added to a template. These fields are then populated with text, images, or data fields from Millennium.

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Compile And Output Console
This icon...

...represents the action to "Compile Report". You may want to "Compile Report" after modifying any templates. This is not required. The more advanced the template becomes compiling it can help troubleshoot any errors with the template. These error will show in the "Report Problems Window" and "iReport output" panels after running "Compile Report" action.

This shows the error reporting panels that can help troubleshoot more advanced templates: iReport Compile Report Panel:

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