Subject: SAP-Crystal-Reports
Printing reports is a fundamental aspect of business reporting, ensuring data can be shared and reviewed in physical form. SAP Crystal Reports provides flexible printing options that allow users to customize print output to meet specific business requirements. Understanding how to control and optimize printing helps maintain professional presentation, reduce waste, and improve usability.
This article explores how to print Crystal Reports with custom settings, including page setup, printer configuration, and advanced printing options.
- Consistency: Ensure reports look professional and standardized across printed copies.
- Efficiency: Minimize paper and ink usage by tailoring page layouts.
- Compatibility: Align printing with company printers and specific paper sizes.
- Flexibility: Adapt reports for different purposes, such as summaries, detailed views, or presentations.
Proper page setup avoids truncation or awkward breaks in the printed report.
Before printing, use the Print Preview or Print Layout view to see exactly how the report will appear on paper. This allows you to:
- Check page breaks.
- Verify data alignment.
- Confirm that all content fits within margins.
- When printing from Crystal Reports, you can select any installed printer.
- Access File > Print, then choose the printer from the list.
- Custom printer drivers may offer additional options like duplex printing, color settings, or resolution.
¶ 4. Number of Copies and Collation
- Specify the number of copies needed.
- Choose whether to collate multi-page reports or print sets uncollated.
Crystal Reports allows further control via:
- Print Range: Print the entire report or specific pages only.
- Print to File: Export print output to a file format (e.g., PDF, XPS) for digital distribution.
- Print Quality: Adjust resolution for better print clarity or faster printing.
For automated printing via Crystal Reports SDK or third-party tools, you can programmatically set:
- Printer name.
- Paper size and orientation.
- Print quality.
- Page ranges and copies.
This enables batch printing with consistent settings.
- Design for Print: Use consistent fonts, sizes, and spacing that look good both on screen and paper.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Leave adequate white space to improve readability.
- Test Print: Always print sample pages to check alignment and formatting before large runs.
- Use Page Headers and Footers: Include important info like report title, page numbers, and date.
- Consider Duplex Printing: For environmental and cost benefits.
- Content Cut Off: Check margins and page size.
- Wrong Printer Selected: Verify default printer and selection at print time.
- Slow Printing: Reduce print quality or simplify report design.
- Missing Fonts or Images: Embed fonts or ensure printer supports required resources.
Mastering custom printing settings in SAP Crystal Reports helps deliver polished, accurate, and user-friendly printed reports. Whether printing manually or automating through code, understanding page setup, printer configuration, and advanced options ensures your reports look professional and serve their business purpose effectively.