The Formula Definition Window is used to define or edit formulas used to determine reported values in "Formula" lines of a Custom Report. Formulas may be any standard algebraic expression incorporating as "variables" the contents of any of the lines, either visible or hidden, in the Selection List window of the Custom Report Editor.
The Formula Definition Window has the following elements:
Formula Edit Window
The formula edit window records the current formula expression defining the Formula line's contents. You may type variable names, numeric constants and arithmetic operators directly in the formula, or edit existing ones. You may also use the Calculator keypad and the Variable List to copy items into the formula at the cursor position. Note that variable names are always surrounded by square brackets.
Formula Row Name
This is the title of the row as it will appear in the Custom Report and in the Selected Row List. You may edit it directly.
Calculator Keypad
The Calculator Keypad is an array of buttons similar in appearance to a simple calculator. Clicking on any button inserts the number or symbol on the button directly into the formula at the current position of the cursor.
Field Type radio buttons
Three radio buttons allow you to select whether the contents of the row will be displayed as Money values (preceded by a "$" or other currency symbol), as a Number (no currency symbol), or as a Percent (adjusted to percentage values and followed by a "%" symbol).
Variable List window
A scrollable list window is used to display the available rows titles that can be used as variables in the formula. These are the same fields as in the Selection List in the main Report Editor Window. Clicking on any row title copies that row title into the Formula Edit window at the cursor position, and encloses it in square brackets. Note that the Show hidden rows check box will allow you to expand the list to include normally hidden rows.
Find Button
The Find button opens the Find wizard to let you search for a specific character string either forwards or backwards in the currently displayed row titles. Search strings may occur anywhere within the row titles without requiring the use of wildcard characters.
OK Button
The OK Button accepts the current formula expression shown in the Formula Edit Window and closes the Formula Definition Window.
Cancel Button
The Cancel Button discards the effects of any editing actions taken since the Formula Definition Window was opened, and returns to the Report Editor.