hi I have been using ireport 4.1.3 Here is an example to demonstrate the use of EXPRESSIONS for linking (xls.sheet.name) property present at element level i.e. for elements present in detail, page header band etc. 1. Create a Field. 2. Map it to some dynamic value coming from datasource Create a Textfield . Add to it a expression in its properties and link it to the above created Field. Then add a properties to Textfield i.e net.sf.jasperreports.export.xls.sheet.name Check box of use expression Use the expression (such as Field you have created in Step 1.) Now you can save it. and preview.