Modifying report element properties in a scriptlet

[dkvidera]

Prior to version 1.1, you could easily change report element properties in a scriptlet by modifying the JRElement objects obtained through the JasperReport object. This no longer works because there is a parallel set of JRFillElement objects created by the JasperFillManager that now control the output. However, you can obtain and modify these JRFillElement objects in a scriptlet, if the report elements are in a group header or footer band. This does not work for elements in the predefined bands.

 

The following code demonstrates how to do this:

 

Code:

public void beforeGroupInit(String groupName) throws JRScriptletException {
   if (GROUP_NAME.equals(groupName)) {
      JRFillGroup group = null;
      for (int g = 0; g < groups.length; g++) {
         if (GROUP_NAME.equals(groups[g].getName())) {
            group = groups[g];
            break;
         }
      }

      JRFillXXX element = null;
      // group.getGroupHeader().getElementByKey(ELEMENT_KEY) doesn't work
      JRElement[] elms = group.getGroupHeader().getElements();
      for (int e = 0; e < elms.length; e++) {
         if (ELEMENT_KEY.equals(elms[e].getKey())) {
            element = (JRFillXXX) elms[e];
            break;
         }
      }
      element.setXXX();
      ...
   }
}

[dkvidera]

Note: Once a fill element property is set, its new value remains for the rest of the report. So, if you modify a property for a special case of data, you will have to set it back for the normal cases.

 

I used this logic for images that I wanted to shrink to fit the constraining space if too big, but not enlarge to fit if small enough. If the image was small enough, I changed the size and position of the JRFillImage element to center the image; otherwise, I set the element to its 'default' size and position and RetainShape scaling shrank it properly.

[roby1483]

Hello,

I have used your method to change the default backcolor and forecolor of one element, but when I generate the report the colors are always the default colors. There are other methods to call after the "setBackcolor" and "setForecolor"?

 

Thank you.