Making an object underlay a following section

Using this example, you can make the Xtreme logo (Xtreme.bmp) underlay multiple sections. This procedure is similar to the one for inserting a company watermark to serve as a report background.

To make an object underlay a following section, first place the object in the section above the section you want it to underlay. Then select the Underlay Following Sections check box in the Section Expert for the section in which the object is placed.

To create a basic report

1. Create a report using the Customer table in Xtreme.mdb.

   The Xtreme.mdb file is located in the \Program Files\Seagate Software\Crystal Reports\Samples\Databases directory, or the directory in which the program resides.

2. Place {customer.CUSTOMER NAME} and {customer.LAST YEAR'S SALES} side-by-side in the Details section of the report.
3. To remove unnecessary objects from this example, delete the field titles that the program places in the Page Header section of each field.
4. On the Insert menu, click Group to break the data into regional groups.
5. On the Common tab of the Insert Group dialog box, select {customer.REGION} as the sort and group by field.
6. Click OK.

To insert a picture onto the report

1. On the Insert menu, click Picture.
2. Select the Xtreme.bmp file, then place it in the Page Header section, to the right of the report body.

   The Xtreme.bmp file is located in the \Program Files\Seagate Software\ Crystal Reports\Samples\Databases directory, or the directory in which the program resides.

   Note:    In this example, the picture is placed to the right of the fields to avoid underlaying the text. When you are working with a watermark, a subdued picture designed to be nearly invisible, place it directly above the text.

3. On the Standard toolbar, click Print Preview.

   The picture prints first (entirely in the Page Header section), then the body of the report follows.

4. Once you are finished previewing the report, return to the Design tab.

To make the picture underlay the following section

1. On the Format menu, click Section.

   The Section Expert dialog box appears.

2. In the Sections list, click Page Header, then select the Underlay Following Sections check box.
3. Click OK to preview the report again.

   The picture now prints in both the Group Header and Details sections, next to (instead of above) the text in the body of the report.

   Note:    Using the technique of placing a picture to the right of the body of the report, you can set up a chart or an employee picture to print beside the details pertaining to that chart or employee.

4. Once you are finished previewing the report, return to the Design tab.
5. Resize the object vertically to make it two or three times larger, then preview the report again.

   The bitmap file now underlays more sections.

The area in which the picture underlays depends on the following conditions:

• the size of the picture
• the section in which the picture was originally placed
• the position of the picture in the section.

By modifying size and placement of an object, you can create a variety of visual effects, using the underlay feature.