Creating a Cross Tab in Finished Reports

Trouble Viewing Images? Right-click on any image and select "Open in new tab" to view a larger version. You can also zoom in using Ctrl + Mouse Wheel for easier readability.

Article Goal

Learn how to create and configure a Cross Tab in the Finished Reports Designer using VDM. This includes selecting placement bands, populating data fields, and formatting the report.

Where Can You Create a Cross Tab?

You can build Cross Tabs in the Finished Reports Designer, accessible from VDM’s main screen.

Note: In order to use Cross Tabs, ensure that the Pivot or Crosstab setting in VDM's Main Settings is configured to Cross Tab.

Steps to Create a Cross Tab

Step 1: Open the Finished Reports Designer

• Launch VDM.

• Click on Finished Report Designer from the main screen.

Step 2: Add a Cross Tab

• Drag a Cross Tab element into the desired report band (e.g., Detail, Report Header).

Note: The placement band affects visibility. For single-display reports, the Report Header is often ideal.

Step 3: Populate the Cross Tab

• Drag and drop your desired fields into the row, column, and data sections.

Tip: When dragging a field, move it just to the right or below an existing cell until you see a small highlighted box—this means you’re dropping it into a new group or section.

Step 4: Refine the Layout

• Repeat step 3 until all necessary fields are placed correctly (data / columns / rows). 

• Decide on placement and structure based on how often the Cross Tab should appear (e.g., once per report or per group).

Step 5: Format the Data

If needed, format your data cells (e.g., set number formats, currency, etc.):

1. Click on the desired data cell.

2. Open the Cross Tab Cell Tasks menu (the “>” button on the right of the selected cell).

From this menu you can:

• Assign fields to the cell

• Set summary types

• Modify width/height behaviors

• Adjust visibility

• Access the Format String Editor

Step 6: Apply Formatting

• In the Format String Editor, enter your desired format string (e.g., currency, decimal, date).

• Repeat for all cells that require formatting.

Example Format: For currency → {0:C} or choose from the Format dropdown in the editor.

Step 7: Preview & Save

• Click Preview to review your report layout and formatting.

• Adjust as needed, then Save your Finished Report.

Article Summary

Cross Tabs allow you to group and summarize data effectively across rows and columns. With just a few drag-and-drop actions, plus some formatting adjustments, you can build highly informative visual reports. Be sure to configure the layout and formatting to match the goals of your report.