Report variables

Overview

You can create a report variable when modifying a standard report or creating a new custom report. Report variables allow you to:

• Create reusable, predefined formulas using report objects
• Run a formula in Report Designer instead of exporting the data to Excel to run formulas.

 Note: Report variables are only available with Report Designer.

Create a report variable for a standard or custom report

Create Variable dialog - Image

1. Click Reading in the upper-right corner of the open report to switch the report display to Design mode.
2. Click the Add a new variable button () in the Objects tab of the Main side panel. The Create Variable dialog opens.
3. In the Create Variable dialog:
   1. Enter a name for the variable.
   2. (Optional) Click the Show/Hide description panel button () to open the Description text field and enter a description for the variable.
   3. Select the type of variable you're creating from the Qualification drop-down list.
      • Dimension (default)
      • Measure
      • Detail - If selected, click the Display list of dimensions button (), select an associated dimension from the Objects and Variables dialog, and click OK.
   4. Enter the formula for the variable in the Formula pane by double-clicking objects in the following panes.

       Note: When available, single-click an object, function, or operator value to view its definition beneath the Formula pane.

      • Objects
      • Functions
      • Operators - You can choose from the list of available values to insert values for a particular report object into the variable formula. After you have added a report object from the Objects pane:
        1. Click the Show operators list button ().
        2. Double-click an operator in the Operators pane to add it to the formula.
   5. Click the Validate formula button () to validate your formula.
      • If your formula fails validation, you will receive a warning message about your error(s).
        1. Click OK to close the warning message dialog.
        2. Edit your existing formula or click the Cancel formula button () to start over.
4. Click OK to save your variable.

Delete a report variable

You can delete variables from standard or custom reports.

1. Click Reading in the upper-right corner of the open report to switch the report display to Design mode.
2. Click Dimensions in the Document dictionary pane of the Main side panel to collapse the accordion.
3. Select the variable you want to delete from the Variables accordion.
4. Click the More options button () and select Delete from the pop-up menu. The Warning dialog opens.
5. Click OK in the Warning dialog. The variable is automatically deleted.

Edit a report variable

You can edit variables from standard or custom reports.

1. Click Reading in the upper-right corner of the open report to switch the report display to Design mode.
2. Click Dimensions in the Document dictionary pane of the Main side panel to collapse the accordion.
3. Select the variable you want to edit from the Variables accordion.
4. Click the More options button () and select Edit from the pop-up menu.
5. Edit the variable as desired.
6. Click OK to save your changes.