How can I compose a muli-page report containing multiple dataset & different layouts on each page?

[shane_m]

I need to create a multipage report which consists of tables, charts and a small amount of static text. Each chart or table will be based on a different dataset (from a SQL database) so I guess the way to do this is to use sub-reports for each table or chart. I need precise control over the layout – where the chart and table appear on the page and where the page breaks are. Most of the tables are less than one page and general there could be multiple components on a page. Some of the tables take more than one page so I guess that means I might need to change the layout from time to time as the tables grow slowly in size over time (usually 1 data point or line per month).

I looked at the samples and saw example of this on one page where the detail section was blank and summary section was used to layout the page. This works for a one page report but I’m not sure how to make it work for a multi-page report. I know I can put page breaks in the section but the page break does seem to behave like the top of page and eventually you end up with things on top of each other. It seems what is needed is a separate view for each (basically static) page you want to layout.

I feel iReports is getting me 90% of the way there but I just need to solve this macro layout problem. From looking at other posts it looks like others have also faced similar problems. I’d be most grateful for any ideas and have the skills to do some custom programming if required. Maybe it’s possible to aggregate multiple reports into a single document somehow. I don’t necessarily need to use the designer for my layout – I’d be happy to work in XML, say.

[cmatthews]

Add "report groups" as bands to your report. Use the group footers for each of your sub report pages. After the first group use the option on the subsequent groups for "Start on a new page" ... The page breaks w/report groups should be able to get you what you need. If you had a sample with dummy selects or some sort of basic sample you upload then I may be able to try and help "fix" it a bit for you so you can have an example. Good luck though.