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Alternating Colors for Group Bands in Finished Reports

Garrick Guillory
Updated

Alternating background colors can make grouped Finished Reports easier to read by visually separating one group from the next.

For Group Headers, Group Footers, and other non-detail bands, alternating colors can be applied using a Visual Basic BeforePrint script with a simple counter.

Note: This method is for group-level bands. Alternating colors in the Detail band are configured using Odd Style or Even Style instead.

Why Use Alternating Colors for Group Bands?

This can be useful when:

  • Grouped sections need clearer visual separation
  • A report relies heavily on Group Headers or Group Footers
  • There is little or no Detail-band output
  • Users need to scan grouped results more easily

Step 1: Select the XtraReport

Select XtraReport in the Report Explorer, or click outside the report design area to select the report itself.

Step 2: Change the Script Language to Visual Basic

In the Properties pane, locate Script Language and change it to:

Visual Basic

This article uses Visual Basic for the alternating-color script.

Important: The report’s Script Language must be set to Visual Basic for the script examples in this article to work as shown.

Step 3: Select the Target Band

Select the Group Header, Group Footer, or other non-detail band where you want the alternating colors applied.

In this example, the target band is:

GroupFooter1

Step 4: Open the Scripts Property

With the target band selected, expand Scripts in the Properties pane.

Step 5: Add a BeforePrint Script

Create a new BeforePrint script for the selected band.

Step 6: Add the Counter Variable

Above the Private Sub section, add:

Private Counter As Integer = 0

This counter is used to switch between the two background colors.

Step 7: Add the Alternating Color Logic

Inside the BeforePrint script, add:

If Counter = 0 Then
    GroupFooter1.BackColor = Color.White
    Counter = 1
Else
    GroupFooter1.BackColor = Color.Orange
    Counter = 0
End If

This alternates the selected band between White and Orange each time the band prints.

Note: Replace GroupFooter1 with the exact name of the band you are formatting.

Step 8: Verify the Script Is Attached to the Correct Band

Confirm that the BeforePrint script is attached to the intended Group Header or Group Footer.

Step 9: Confirm the Band Name in the Script

Make sure the band name referenced in the code matches the actual band name.

For example, if the target band is:

GroupHeader2

replace each instance of:

GroupFooter1

with:

GroupHeader2

Step 10: Validate and Preview

Validate the script and select Preview.

Confirm that:

  • The intended group band alternates between the two colors
  • The colors change from one group instance to the next
  • The correct band is being formatted
  • No script errors are displayed

Step 11: Save the Report

After confirming the alternating colors, save the Finished Report.

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