Creating a report file
Report file is an empty file that will contain your report once you have populated it with visual and non-visual elements. Report files have an extension - .rptdesign - and a complex structure described here.
BIRT report files (as 4gl programs) cannot exist beyond a project. You can add your reports (= report files) to the already existing projects (both 4gl and non-4gl ones)or create a separate report project to contain your reports.
Refer here to read about creating new projects.
Refer here to read about creating new report projects.
To create a new report file, please follow these steps.
Step 1. Start
the New wizard
in one of the ways described here and select Business Intelligence and Reporting Tools→Report.
Step 2. Specify the source folder for your report and the report name.
When you press Finish, a blank report will be created.
When you press Next, you can choose a template for the report.
Step 3. Choose a template to create your report (if necessary).
Blank Report allows creating a blank report with no predefined content (the result will be the same as if you have used no templates at all, i.e. pressed Finish in Step 2);
My First Report allows creating a simple listing report. Unlike Simple Listing, it provides instructions for newcomers;
Simple Listing allows creating a simple listing report;
Grouped Listing allows creating a listing report that includes additional header box used for grouping your listing;
Dual Column Listing allows creating a grouped listing report with two columns;
Dual Column Chart & Listing allows creating a grouped report with two chart + listing sections located one under another;
Side by Side Column Chart & Listing allows creating a grouped report with two chart + listing sections located side by side;
Chart & Listing allows creating a grouped report that includes a listing and a chart giving a visual representation to this listing (= 1 chart + listing section);
Cross Tab allows creating cross-tab reports and provides instructions for users.
Step 4. When you press Finish, your new report file is created and opened in the Report Design editor.
You can see it in the Navigator view:
This video offers a short overview of how to create a report file:
