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Report variables

Learn how to use report variables and objects to create reusable, predefined formulas in Report Designer.

Overview

You can create a report variable when modifying a standard report or when creating a new custom report. Report variables allow you to:

  • Create reusable, predefined formulas using report objects
  • Run a formula in Report Designer instead of exporting the data to Excel to run formulas.

 Note: Report variables are only available with Report Designer.

Create a report variable for a standard or custom report

Create Variable dialog - Image
Create Variable dialog
  1. From the open report, click Design to display the report in Design mode.
  2. From the Side Panel, click Available Objects (Available Objects button).
  3. Right-click the Variables folder and select New.
    Or
    Navigate to Data Access > Data Objects > New Variable in the Design Toolbox.
  4. In the Create Variable dialog:
    1. Enter a name for the variable.
    2. (Optional) Enter a description for the variable.
    3. Select the qualification for the variable.
      • Dimension (default)
      • Measure
      • Detail
         Note: If selecting a Detail, select the Associated dimension by clicking the Associated dimension button button.
    4. Enter the formula for the variable in the Formula box by double-clicking objects in the following lists:
       Note: A definition for the selected object, function, or operator appears in the Definition panel when available.
      • Available Objects
        If you are inserting values for a particular object into the variable formula, you can choose the values from the list of values:
        • Select an object from the Available Objects list.
        • Double-click Values... from the Available Operators list.
        • Select the value(s) to add to the formula and click OK.
      • Available Functions - Click More on this function to view a description of the function in a new browser tab.
      • Available Operators
  5. Click the Validate formula (Validate formula button) button to validate your formula.
    • If your formula passes validation, you will receive the following confirmation message: The formula is defined correctly. Click OK to close the confirmation message dialog.
    • If your formula fails validation, you will receive a warning message specific to your error(s). Click OK to close the warning message dialog.
      • Edit the existing formula 
        Or
        Click the Cancel formula (Cancel formula button) button to start over.
  6. Click OK to save your variable.

Delete a report variable

You can delete variables from standard or custom reports.

  1. Standard report: From the open report, click Design to display the report in Design mode and then click Available Objects (Available Objects button) in the Side Panel.
    Custom report: From the Side Panel, click Available Objects (Available Objects button).
  2. Right-click the variable you want to delete and select Delete.
  3. In the Remove Variable dialog, click Yes to permanently delete the variable.

Edit a report variable

You can edit variables from standard or custom reports.

Edit variable properties

  1. Standard report: From the open report, click Design to display the report in Design mode and then click Available Objects (Available Objects button) in the Side Panel.
    Custom report: From the Side Panel, click Available Objects (Available Objects button).
  2. Under the Variables folder, right-click the variable you want to edit and select Edit Properties....
  3. In the Edit Properties dialog, you can:
    • Edit the variable name in the New value field.
    • Edit or add a description for the variable.
  4. Click OK to save your edits.

Edit a variable

  1. Standard report: From the open report, click Design to display the report in Design mode and then click Available Objects (Available Objects button) in the Side Panel.
    Custom report: From the Side Panel, click Available Objects (Available Objects button).
  2. Under the Variables folder, right-click the variable you want to edit and select Edit.
  3. In the Edit Variable dialog, edit the variable fields as needed.
  4. Click OK to save your edits.