{"id":512,"date":"2019-03-29T12:33:08","date_gmt":"2019-03-29T18:33:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bekerman.com\/blog\/?p=512"},"modified":"2019-03-29T13:45:24","modified_gmt":"2019-03-29T19:45:24","slug":"formulas-1-0","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bekerman.com\/blog\/formulas-1-0\/","title":{"rendered":"Formulas 1.0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The word formula<\/em> comes from the Latin word forma<\/em>, meaning shape or mold. This is appropriate because formulas in Crystal Reports are about to mold, shape and change your world. There are an unlimited number of ways formulas can be used. I’ve seen some really cool and creative ways to use formulas and I’m still learning different ways to use them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Let’s ease into learning about formulas with a simple need for our report. We want to create a column that shows the gift amount but only for cash gifts. Keep in mind that we still want to show all gifts on the report so the purpose here isn’t to apply any filters to the report. When I say “cash gifts” I’m referring to gifts with a Gift Type = Cash. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the right side of your Crystal Reports screen you should see a panel called Field Explorer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If the Field Explorer is not visible click on the View menu on the top toolbar, then select Field Explorer. There is also a Field Explorer button that looks like this:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

To create a new formula field right-click on the Formula Fields heading and select “New…” This will open the Formula Name window. Enter a name for the formula. I am going to name our formula field “Cash Gift Amount.” Be sure to use descriptive names that make sense so you (and the next employees in your position) will know what the formula field is. After you click the OK button the Formula Workshop – Formula Editor window will appear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There’s a lot going on here but don’t be afraid. For now we only need to click in the blank area on the bottom center\/right of the window. This is called the Formula Editing area and is where we, um, edit formulas. Click anywhere in this area and a text cursor will appear, blinking and waiting for your command.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The command will be a formula that says if the Gift Type is “Cash” then display the Gift Amount, otherwise display zero. Let’s translate this into a formula in the Formula Editor.:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you just want to type in the formula without all the steps then skip to the last bullet point in the list. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n