Chapter 12: Forms and Reports (Class 10 IT – 402)
1. Introduction
→ Data‑sheet view is not user‑friendly for many users.
→ Therefore we use Forms to allow easy data entry.
→ Reports are used to present retrieved data in a readable formatted manner.
→ Both Forms and Reports are objects of a database (e.g., LibreOffice Base).
2. Forms
→ A Form is a database object with a user‑friendly interface for entering or modifying data.
→ Acts as the front‑end for data entry and modification.
→ Contains field controls (labels + text boxes) and may include list boxes, radio buttons, etc.
Steps to Create Form Using Wizard
→ Step 1: Click the Forms icon → 'Use Wizard to Create Form…'
→ Step 2: Select the table for which the form is to be created.
→ Step 3: Move required fields from ‘Available Fields’ to ‘Fields in the Form’.
→ Step 4: Skip sub‑forms if not needed.
→ Step 5: Arrange controls (labels & text boxes).
→ Step 6: Choose data display/entry mode.
→ Step 7: Apply style (background, border).
→ Step 8: Name the form.
→ Step 9: Click Finish.
Modifying a Form
→ To change background: Right‑click form → Edit → Page Style → Area tab → choose colour.
→ To edit a label: Ctrl+Click → Control Properties.
→ To move controls: click & drag; hold Ctrl for single control.
→ To resize text box: drag handles.
→ To add tooltip: Ctrl+Click → Control Properties → Help text.
Adding Controls
→ Add calendar for date field: Control Properties → Date Format: Standard (long) →
DropDown = Yes.
→ Add label/title: Click Label tool → drag → double‑click → type title → format text.
Adding/Deleting Records
→ Add: Click New Record → fill in values → save.
→ Delete: Select record → click Delete button.
3. Reports
→ A Report presents data in a formatted manner.
→ Based on a table, a query, or both.
→ If multiple tables are used, first create a query.
Steps to Create Report Using Wizard
→ Step 1: Click Reports icon → 'Use Wizard to Create Report…'
→ Step 2: Select table/query and fields to display.
→ Step 3: Label fields if needed.
→ Step 4: Choose grouping (if required).
→ Step 5: Select sorting order.
→ Step 6: Choose layout & orientation.
→ Step 7: Name the report.
→ Step 8: Click Finish.
Dynamic vs Static Report
→ Dynamic Report updates automatically when data changes.
→ Static Report remains unchanged.
Inserting Controls in Report
→ Add titles, author name, date, etc.
→ Insert Title: Label tool → draw → type title → format.
→ Insert Date/Time: Insert → Date and Time → choose format → reposition.
Summary
→ Forms: For data entry/modification with user‑friendly interface.
→ Reports: For presenting data in formatted way.
→ Forms: Created via Wizard or Design View.
→ Reports: Created via Wizard; can include grouping, sorting, layout options.
→ Controls enhance both forms and reports.
→ Dynamic vs Static reports differ by data update behavior.