A Tablix data region displays data in cells that are arranged in rows and columns. It provides enhanced layout capabilities ranging from creation of simple tables to advanced matrices. Tablix is essentially a combination of two data regions, the table and the matrix. Therefore, it provides all the features of a table and a matrix along with added capabilities including support for multiple adjacent groups on rows or columns and improved layout flexibility with stepped group layouts.
You can also choose to set the height of multiple rows or width of multiple columns using Distribute Rows Evenly and Distribute Columns Evenly options from the context menu of the Tablix data region. You can select multiple rows or columns using the Ctrl key and mouse click together or by simply dragging the mouse over rows and columns.
You can even freeze row and column headers in RDL reports in the HTML5 Viewer. For more information, see Freeze Rows and Columns.
This topic describes how the elements of the Tablix data region work together and explains its basic operations.
The Tablix data region is composed of four areas denoted by dotted lines on the design surface: the corner, the row group area, the column group area, and the body. By default, each tablix cell contains a TextBox control and the function for each cell is determined by its location. You can change the layout of the Tablix data region using the GrapeCity.ActiveReports.PageReportModel.Tablix.LayoutDirection property.
ActiveReports includes a Group Editor window that is specifically designed to manage the tablix structure. In the Visual Studio integrated designer as well as in applications using the Designer control, the Group Editor window is located below the report design surface. Developers can use it in custom designer applications as well.
The image below demonstrates the areas of a Tablix data region, where column groups are set to TheoryScore and PracticalScore, and the row group is set to SubjectName.
The Group Editor window contains the following groups:
Theory
The center left cell of the Tablix data region =[TheoryScore] represents the Theory group in the Group Editor window. This group displays theory scores for the student in each subject.
Practical
The center right cell of the Tablix data region =[PracticalScore] represents the Practical group in the Group Editor window. This group displays practical scores for the student in each subject.
The image below displays the subjects in a row group. Nested column groups display practical and theory scores for the students. The total row displays the total scores for all of the subjects.
To perform basic operations in the Tablix data region, we need to first understand the concept of static and dynamic rows and columns.
Rows or columns in the Tablix data region can be static or dynamic. The Tablix data region contains multiple rows and columns that provide a grid type layout, where you can add or remove static or dynamic rows and columns in order to display your data efficiently.
When you select a Tablix data region, the row and column handles appear. These handles help you to work with the data region and visually specify the type of data added in your tablix layout.
The following table shows the different types of handles that appear in a Tablix data region.
Handle Icon | Description |
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Row or column with one outer group. |
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One outer group and one inner group. |
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One outer group with an extra row for totals and one inner group. |
The Tablix data region provides context menu options to perform basic layout actions. You can access layout options for Tablix rows from the context menu by right-clicking on a selected row.
You can access layout options for Tablix columns from the context menu by right-clicking on a selected column.