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 Home > Resource Centre > Frequently Asked Questions > Report Formatting
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Q: How do I abbreviate labels in a chart?
A: Business Objects will not let you edit labels because they contain variables. This can cause problems when they are too long to use in charts. One way around this is to create (derive) a new variable. For example with Faculties, create a new folder for each Faculty and give the folder an abbreviated name. Biological and Chemical Sciences might become B&CS. Drag and drop or highlight Biological and Chemical Sciences and add it to the new folder. You can then insert the new variable in your chart using Format Block and Pivot.
Q: How do I remove the page number from the bottom of a BusinessObjects report?
A: Select PAGE LAYOUT in the VIEW menu. Delete the page number at the bottom of the page. You can also drag page margins and customise the page layout in other ways. To return to the normal report select NORMAL in the VIEW menu.
Q: Can I change the contents of a column to upper or lower case?
A: You can change a column's case by applying a formula and using either the Lower or Upper Functions. Highlight the column you want to change by clicking on it with the mouse. Click on Data at the top of the page and choose EDIT FORMULA (or you can click on the Formula Editor button on the Formula toolbar).The Edit Formula window will now open. Locate the function you wish to use. The Lower and Upper Functions can be found in the Character Functions folder. Double click on the function you wish to use. It will then appear in the formula section at the top of the window. Double click on the variable which the column originally contained. In this example, we are using Gender. Click on OK to finish.
Q: How do I format the title of a report to display the document name automatically?
A: You can have the document name automatically displayed in the title box at the top of your report. Double click on the title box. The text inside which by default reads Free Form Report should now be highlighted. Type in =DocumentName() and press Enter. The current name of the report will now appear in the title box. If you save your report as a different name, the title will now change automatically. There are also a number of special fields that can now be inserted in a report. These include date fields, page numbers, drill and global filters and query prompt values. In INSERT choose SPECIAL FIELDS and then select the appropriate entry. The cursor will change to allow you to insert a cell. Note if you are already in a cell, row or column in the report, the special field will be inserted there.
Q: How do I remove an empty value from a list of variables(eg Permanent Country) whilst allowing for further updates to the variable?
A: Go to Format>Filters and add the variable you wish to filter on to the Global Level. Then add the formula =not IsNull (<Permanent Country>) All the items except "empty" will now be selected from this variable.
Q: How can I include the value returned by my prompt in the title of my report?
A: Create a blank cell where you want to place the title and go to Insert>Special Fields>Query Prompt. The result of the prompt will now appear in this cell.
Q: How can I position a crosstab or cell relative to another crosstab on the same page?
A: Select Format>Table>Appearance. Select the crosstab you wish to align to from either the horizontal or vertical drop down position list.
Tips & Tricks
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