Different detail formats according to data

[DavidJB]

I have 5 tables which have common fields for the first half of each row and varying fields for the rest. I need to have the data reported sorted by date, one of the common fields, and intend to make a temp table by gathering data from the 5 tables with a "rec.type" field according to the source table (Each row will then have lots of empty fields but so what !). Then I will throw the ordered SQL from VB to CR9.

Problem is that each detail line can have a partially different format according to its rec.type (where it came from). Can I specify different detail formats and conditionally use the correct one somehow ?

 

[crystalreporting]

This type of file/table structure (multiple record layouts) is not uncommon, particularly in legacy applications - it was widely used in apps. written originally in Cobol. I'm suprised there isn't already some form of rec-type field within the table already, so that the application 'knows' what fields go where. In either case, you can achieve the desired results by creating one detail section for each type. Right click on the D or Detail section on the left hand side of the design screen and select 'Insert Section Below'. Then, use conditional selection formulas to only display the detail section that matches the record type.