Explore the Work Surface in Report Builder 3.0

Report Builder is a small report design tool that is installed on your report server as part of Microsoft SQL Server. Similar in look and feel to Microsoft Word, it is a comfortable environment for users of other Microsoft Office tools. You can create simple or complex reports very quickly through wizards and an intuitive interface. If you have SQL and scripting skills you can customize SQL queries within Report Builder, but it is often just as quick to follow the UI and use the wizards.

1. Open Report Builder 3.0.

   

2. Click Blank Report in the Getting Started wizard.

   The work surface displays with a new blank report. The Report Builder work surface is divided into two sections:

   • Report Data – Represented graphically in the left pane. This is where you can search the contents of the database, and collect the data to build datasets. Each report can have many datasets and each dataset can be used over and over within the same report.
   • Report Design – In the right pane, and is separate from data collection. The report design area is where you will place report items, such as Report Parts, Subreports, tables, charts, text boxes, images and so on.

   

At the top of the Report Builder window is the ribbon menu with three tabs:

1. Home tab: This is where you format text, and where you can preview the report by clicking the run button at the far left .
2. Insert tab: This is where you will find all the items that you might want to insert into a report.

   Insert tab tip: Click Insert > Report Parts to view the Report Part Gallery.

3. View Tab: This is where you organize your workspace, and display the Report Data, Grouping, Report Properties and the Ruler.

   View tab tip: Click View > Properties to view the Properties pane.