The RTF output type is used for producing documents. RTF stands for Rich Text Format which enables character formatting and tab settings. You can produce individual letters using the functions of Report Generator and then produce a document of reasonable cosmetic standard without the requirement to construct complex mail merge through other word processing packages.
There are two output options with RTF:
Simple Letter: The RTF letter format is provided as the only format.
Line detail: You can format a normal report output line as well as the RTF letter output and merge the format line in by using the buttons.
Note: Because of the 'local' requirements for a printer, RTF output is not available in the Timed Operations Schedule, however, RTF prints can be included in the Report Generator batch.
Should the RTF Letter facility not provide the cosmetic flexibility required to output a suitable document you can export data using Report Generator, and then utilise that exported data within spreadsheets and word processors.
All sections of the report such as the tables tab, derived fields, sequence and selection etc. should be completed as normal, as the RTF page is only concerned with the printed output.
When the RTF Format tab is accessed, you are presented with a screen that most of you will find familiar, as it reflects many of the features available within basic word processing packages and text editors.
Essentially, this is a blank sheet into which text can be placed, and data fields inserted at any relevant point in the format. Data fields and text can be placed on the same line.
At the top of the screen, standard buttons are available to assist in controlling the format.
The first three buttons control the text style used within the Format. B switches on BOLD letter type, I switches the typeface to ITALIC and U switches on the UNDERLINE facility.
The next button, marked with three vertical dots, switches on standard Bullet point markers.
The next two buttons increase or decrease the text indent in order to provide margins.
The final three buttons control the justification of the text. It is possible to have text left justified, centred or right justified across the page.
Buttons
Insert Column: This can be used to embed data fields into the format.
Test print: This button is used for performing a test print of the page to see what it will look like before you commit all of your completed criteria.
Note: For this function to work, you must first SAVE your data.
As long as each button is active, all text entered will reflect the button style. It is possible to have multiple text style buttons active at one time.
The most normal use of a letter style output such as provided by this facility is to produce a standard form letter and have specific information inserted from a data table.
In this way it would be possible to produce a credit chase letter for example, which would have a standard text content and then include specific account or balance information for each selected account.
In order to insert a column, position the cursor at the insertion point and click the Insert column button.
This will invoke an Insert column form into which a specific column can either be typed or, by clicking the Ellipsis button search facility, inserted automatically from familiar search windows.
When the search facility is used, you first select the table in which the required column resides, or select derived fields if either a standard derived field or user defined derived field is required.
This then presents an alphabetic list of the available columns within the selected table and individual entries can be selected as required.
Should you elect to type the column name directly into the window, then the normal convention of !Table id followed by the underscore character - and then the column name must be followed. For example if the column required was the account number and this was table number one on the Title tab, then the syntax !1_ACCOUNT would be used.
It is also possible to type in the column names directly onto the Format tab, as long as you follows the conventions regarding brackets and column naming.
In this instance, the column used in the above example would be typed into the format tab in the form {{!1_ACCOUNT}}.
Columns may be deleted from the format simply by positioning the cursor as appropriate and then using the delete key.
Many of you will find the Ellipsis button search facility convenient as it prevents minor typing mistakes that can cause compilation errors.
Once the format has been constructed, the report can be compiled saved and run as normal.