Is there a way to Import Formulas (helpful for complex reports)

[cheerfulskeptic]

I have a report with a LOT of formulas. This is a pain specially for repeating formulas for cross tab reports for monthly details, etc, since you have to create a formula for each month for each data item you want to report on. I have to click on New formula, copy-paste, etc.
Is there an easy way to specify the formulas in a text file and import them? it would be so much easier.
Thanks

 

[checkai]

I thought that you could have 2 windows of Crystal open and drag the formulas from 1 to the other....

DLC

 

[synapsevampire]

checkai: You can, but it's version dependent I think, and since skeptic doesn't mention the version, I can't tell if they can do this.

Skeptic: Try putting every formula/field you need into the report (some formulas may not be on the report canvas), lassoo them all, hit Ctrl-C, switch to the new report and select Ctrl-V.

Note that you can then delete the formulas from the new report canvas but the formulas will still be there.

-k

 

[cheerfulskeptic]

Sorry, I'm using CR8
I am currently having to open the same report in two instances of Crystal, or in separate windows, rename them in one, and then paste them in the other (which works), but the text file way is easiest I think... If only such a way existed.

 

[dgillz]

Export the report, and for the export format choose "report definition". This creates a text file that includes lots of documentation about your report, including all formula fields with the complete formula.

Then you can cut and past at your desire.

Software Sales, Training, Implementation and Support for Exact Macola, eSynergy, and Crystal Reports

http://www.trianglepartners.com

 

[synapsevampire]

If you have the same report opened twice, why would you want additional copies of the exact same formulas? You could just copy them from within the same report and do a save as.

-k

 

[cheerfulskeptic]

great!
the report definition part works well.... If I edit these, is there any way I can import them into Crystal and it would add them in as formulas/running totals?
thanks

 

[rosemaryl]

Dear CheerfulSkeptic,

In version 8 of Crystal you can copy and paste formulas from one report to the other.

Perhaps I am not understanding the issue.

ro

Rosemary Lieberman
rosemary@microflo.com,

http://www.microflo.com

Microflo provides expert consulting on MagicTSD and Crystal Reports.

 

[cheerfulskeptic]

i mean as in write the formulas out in a text file (similar to the report definition text file), do all my copy/pastes/replaces, etc in it and then import them into cr8. IT beats having to right click, edit formula, etc for each one. Plus my CR8 seems to slow down as more formulas are added - is this normal?
thanks

 

[rosemaryl]

Dear cheerful..

As far as I know, there is no way to do what you want to do. What you are talking about is very similar to the Repository Feature in CR9.

Have you explored using a Dictionary? You could create a Dictionary in which all your table joins and formulas exist and then base reports off of that. Whenever you needed new formuals you would modify the dictionary.

I do not know if this is an option for you.

Are you using these formulas in the Select Expert?

That severely negatively impacts performance.

ro

Rosemary Lieberman
rosemary@microflo.com,

http://www.microflo.com

Microflo provides expert consulting on MagicTSD and Crystal Reports.

 

[cheerfulskeptic]

Thanks for the info. I will try this. I'm not using the formulas in the select expert. I just have my basic criteria defined in the select expert so I can filter out records