How to Create Table with Varied Columns

I have one large dataset with many joins feeding a table. I need a table that allows different columns by row. For example, first row will have 2 cols, next row is a diagram so I need 1 row, next row needs 4 cols., etc. Is there a way to do this?

If I create different tables, I lose the report structure:
Functional Area1
Diagram for Functional Area 1
Entity1 for Functional Area 1
Attributes for Entity1
Entity2 for Functional Area 1
Attributes for Entity2
Functional Area2
Diagram for Functional Area 2
Entity1 for Functional Area 2
Attributes for Entity1
Entity2 for Functional Area 2
Attributes for Entity2

Any help is much appreciated!

Find more posts tagged with

Comments

mwilliams

Hi brice9,

So, these are actually in different rows in your dataSet? Or are they in the same row and you want them in different rows in your table?

brice9

Thank you so much for helping! The dataset is at a detail level and the report is a grouping. In the joint dataset, I have joined Functional Areas, Diagram, Classes, Properties in preparation for the report so the joint dataset is at a detail level. On the report, I am grouping.

But the larger question is how to manage rows of the table that need different numbers of columns. For example on the attached, the diagram on 1 row needs 1 column. But, section 1.1.2.1.2 needs 4 columns on that row. How can I have rows with different number of columns in the same table.

If I use separate tables, I lose the grouping for the report; i.e., I need the report flow to be a Functional Area followed by all aspects of the Functional Area (1.1) before reporting the next Functional Area.

Thanks again.

mwilliams

Hi brice9,

You can have detail rows with different amounts of columns in the same table. To do this, you just have to have as many columns in the table as the detail row with the most columns. Then, in the rows where you don't need this many columns, you can merge columns by selecting them, right clicking within them and choosing merge cells.

Hope this helps with your issue.

brice9

Michael,

Yes, this works perfectly. Thank you so much for your help!

mwilliams

No problem. Let us know whenever you have questions.