Multi-Column with Group, not working as desired 1

[akabatman2]

I have a report that I want to look like the following:


Vocabulary --------------------------- Grouping Level

1 A 5 E 9 I
2 B 6 F 10 J
3 C 7 G 11
4 D 8 H etc....

Comprehension ------------------------Grouping Level

1 A 5 E 9 I
2 B 6 F 10 J
3 C 7 G 11
4 D 8 H etc....

It seems no matter what I try, Crystal 9 won't let me format with Multiple Columns Checked and the Layout tab set to "Down then Accross". The key here is to have the numbers going down, it works with "Across then Down" selected and looks like:

Vocabulary --------------------------- Grouping Level

1 A 2 E 3 I
4 B 5 F 6 J
7 C 8 G 9
10 D 11 H etc....

but this is not what is desired. The numbers need to go down then across and be neatly within their own grouping.

Otherwise I get:

Vocabulary --------------------------- Grouping Level

1 A
2 B
3 C
4 D
5 E

Comprehension ---------------------------Grouping Level

1 A 4 D
2 B etc...
3 C
---New page----
Comprehension ---------------------------Grouping Level
5 E
6 F
7 G
8 H
9 I
10 J

etc...

Why can't Crystal do what it's told?

Does anyone have any suggestions?

I've tried using a sub-report and a cross-tab but can't figure out the solution.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Tom

 

[lbass]

After testing, I see the problem. The following worked for me:

Group on {table.testtype} in the main report and then insert a subreport with {table.testversion} or whatever your field is, and link the subreport to the main report on {table.testtype}. The subreport should be placed in a group header section or the group footer of the main report. In the subreport, format the details with "Format with Multiple Columns"->set the column width (I used 2 inches) and set the gap (I used .5 ins). Check "Down then Across." Then in the main report, select the subreport->format subreport->common-> and uncheck "Can Grow". Next drag the lower border of the subreport to make sure you are seeing all records and to distribute the number of records evenly across the columns.

I think that using the subreport without the "can grow" feature forces the columns to appear within the groups, whereas in the main report, there are no vertical boundaries to force the columns to appear. At least, I couldn't figure out how to do it.

-LB

 

[akabatman2]

Hi LB,

Brilliant suggestion, and it works.

I think all I'll have to do now is find out what my largest test is and drag the sub-report out until it fits.

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond,

Tom