Getting report layouts

The SSRS template file format is Report Definition Language, which uses a .RDL extension. These are much like Crystal .RPT files, but they are defined in XML. Because they are XML, you can edit .RDL files in any text editor. However, you need free tools available for your version of SQL Server to design the report visually and to preview your report layouts with data.

  1. From the query definition, click Report.

    2. iMIS generates the report in memory, so nothing is saved to the database or disk yet.

  2. If the query results need adjustment, click Define, make your changes, and click Report.
  3. When the results are good, save the report to a permanent format:
    • Save Report Definition to iMIS copies the report to the Document System, for future availability in iMIS.
    • Save Report Definition to Workstation copies the report to your file system, for editing outside of iMIS.

    When prompted, choose Open to launch the file in the application associated with the .RDL extension, or choose Save to copy the file to the locally.

  1. Locate the .RDL template within the Document system.

    2. Note: Be sure you are selecting the template, not the output process!

  2. Select the Run icon.
  3. When prompted, select Open. You can choose Save rather than Open, but be aware that BIDS will copy the file into its project location when you add it to a project, regardless. However, be sure to re-import your edited version, not the original.
  4. Edit the file and save it to your file system.
  5. Import the edited file into the Document system, either as an updated version or as a new template.