Insert a Variable in the Report

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Insert a Variable in the Report

It is easy to get lost in the invoice format window since it can only display a relatively small portion of this very large working format. This window titled Insert a Variable in the Report will place the selected variable at the exact location which you specify. If you use the handy transparent paperwork formatting grid (IBS Forms Design Grid) which was shipped with the IBS software, it will tell you the exact row and column for each location on the paperwork over which this grid is placed. This window will place the selected variable at that position on the report format window.

Row: Enter the Row or line number position down on the report at which you wish to place the variable.

Column: Enter the Column or space number across on the report at which you wish to place the variable.

Variable: Enter the two character code which represents the variable you wish to place on this invoice. The name of the field which this variable code refers to will be displayed to the right of this field. Press the {?} to the right of this field to open a window titled Select Format Replacement Variables which will display all the variables which are available to be placed on this invoice format.

Display Length: This field will first display the maximum length of the selected variable. It will then check the report to see if there is enough room between the starting position of this variable (Column) and the maximum width of the report (Form Width). If it will not fit in the position which you have selected, then a "Will Not Fit" message will appear in this window.

You can determine the amount of space that any field will occupy on the report by moving the right bracket (]) which terminates the display variable closer to the left. If you specify the display length in this field, then this will be done for you automatically.

Picture: This box will show the format of how the variable field you have selected will be displayed on the report (e.g., a date field may be displayed as MM/DD/YYYY).

[ OK ] Press this button to place the selected variable in the current report format at the Row and Column as selected in this window.

[ Cancel ] Press this button to close this window and and return to the previous window.

[ Help ] Press this button (if available) or the F1 key to view the Help text for this window.