Format Results in Crystal Reports

Display Results in Multiple Columns

If a Crystal Report displays a long list of items in the details section, you can save whitespace on the report by displaying the information in multiple columns using the below steps:

1. Select Report -> Section Expert.
2. On the left side of the screen, select Details.
3. Check the Format with Multiple Columns checkbox.  This feature is only available in the Details section.
4. On the right side of the Section Expert screen, select the Layout tab. 
5. In the Width field, enter the desired column width.
6. In the Gap Between Details section, enter the desired width for the horizontal and vertical gaps.
7. Select to print either Across then Down or Down then Across.
8. Click OK.

Once multiple columns have been configured, Crystal Reports will only allow you to manipulate the layout in the first column. All other columns will be grayed out. The field(s) added to the first column must be sized appropriately so they fit within the column. If the field is too big for the column, the data may not display on the report.

Alternate Row Formatting

To simulate alternate row formatting (green bar effect), follow the below steps:

1. Open the Section Expert and select the Details section.
2. Select the Color Tab and check the Background Color option (the selected color does not matter).
3. Enter the following formula:
   if Remainder (RecordNumber, 2) = 0 then
     crNoColor
   else
     crSilver
4. You can substitute any standard color for the crSilver. If you need a specific color / shade use the Color (red, green, blue) function.