Setting Up Alternating Colors in the Detail Band

Alternating row colors can make Finished Reports easier to read by visually separating detail records.

In Finished Reports, alternating colors for the Detail band are configured using Odd Style or Even Style settings.

Why Use Alternating Colors?

Alternating colors can help:

• Separate detail rows visually
• Improve readability in long reports
• Make tables, customer lists, invoices, and logs easier to scan
• Give report output a cleaner, more structured appearance

Note: Alternating colors in the Detail band are configured through Styles. Group Bands use a different method.

Step 1: Select the Detail Band

In the Finished Reports Designer, select the Detail band.

Step 2: Open the Styles Property

In the Properties pane, locate the Styles section and expand it.

Step 3: Add an Odd or Even Style

Select Add Style, then choose either:

• Odd Style
• Even Style

In this example, Odd Style is used.

The Odd Style applies to alternating detail records beginning with the first applicable row.

Step 4: Set the Background Color

Select the new style and set its Background Color.

For example, you can use a light gray background to make alternating rows easier to distinguish.

You can also configure other appearance properties, such as:

• Font
• Borders
• Text color

Step 5: Preview the Report

Select Preview and verify the alternating row colors.

Confirm that:

• Alternating rows use the expected background color
• The remaining rows retain the normal appearance
• The report remains easy to read
• The style is applied consistently throughout the Detail band

Step 6: Save the Report

After confirming the appearance, save the Finished Report.

Related Articles

• Alternating Colors for Group Bands in Finished Reports
• Dynamically Changing Label Colors Using Expressions in Finished Reports
• Creating a Finished Report in VDM