Every element on a report, including the report itself, is defined by a set of properties. These properties affect the look, feel, and behavior of each element.

For many properties, the Report Builder lets you define their values through user interface elements, such as dialog boxes, toolbar icons, and menu items. For example, you set a text label's font size using a toolbar icon. You can set values for all properties, however, through the Properties panel, which display all properties for the currently selected element.

Sometimes a report contains multiple, closely spaced elements and it is difficult to select an individual element using the mouse. In this case, selecting the element from the Properties panel pop-up menu is an easy way to select an element.

The Properties panel has two views:

Sort alphabetically: All properties for the currently selected element display in alphabetical order.

Sort into groups: The Properties panel displays related properties in the following predefined groups:

• Advanced
• Columns
• Page Layout
• Printing
• Colors and Style
• Data
• Font
• Font Style
• Formatting
• Hyperlinks
• Layout
• Print Control

The Report Builder displays only groups that relate to the currently selected element.

Set or modify a property for an element in the work space

1. Select the element.
2. (Optional) If the Properties panel is not already displayed, choose Window > Properties Inspector.

   The Report Builder displays its properties in the Properties panel.

3. Modify the property. Depending on the property, you enter a value, select a value from a pop-up menu, or open the Expression Builder to use an expression.
4. Press Enter.

When you select a color, double-click the color.

Choose a different element

Select the element from the pop-up menu. When you select a new element, the Report Builder selects the element and displays its properties.

Although the Properties panel is a powerful way to set properties, you typically set properties through dialog boxes and toolbar icons. For example, you use the Report Properties dialog box to set report-wide settings. For complete information on setting properties, see "Property reference" in the Report Builder online Help.