Rdls Custom Css Ssrs

7 min read Oct 01, 2024

Enhancing SSRS Reports with Custom CSS: A Comprehensive Guide

Reporting Services (SSRS) is a powerful tool for creating visually appealing and informative reports. While SSRS offers a range of built-in styling options, sometimes you need more flexibility to achieve the desired look and feel. This is where custom CSS comes in.

What are RDLs and How Do They Relate to SSRS?

RDLs, or Report Definition Language files, are the foundation of SSRS reports. They contain the report's layout, data sources, and other design elements. Custom CSS allows you to apply specific styles directly to the RDL, giving you greater control over the report's appearance.

Why Use Custom CSS in SSRS?

Using custom CSS in SSRS offers several advantages:

Enhanced Styling: You can customize every aspect of your report's design, from font styles and colors to table borders and background images.
Consistency: Maintain a consistent look and feel across multiple reports by applying the same CSS styles.
Brand Identity: Align your reports with your company's brand guidelines by applying specific colors, fonts, and logos.
Improved Readability: Use custom CSS to improve the readability of your reports by adjusting font sizes, line spacing, and other visual elements.

How to Implement Custom CSS in SSRS Reports

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply custom CSS to your SSRS reports:

Create a CSS File:

Open a text editor and create a new file with the .css extension (e.g., styles.css).

Define your desired CSS styles in the file. For example:

body {
    font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
    color: #333;
}

table {
    border-collapse: collapse;
    width: 100%;
}

th, td {
    border: 1px solid #ddd;
    padding: 8px;
}

Embed CSS in the RDL:
- Open your SSRS report in Report Designer.
- In the Report Properties window, navigate to the Code tab.
- Paste the following code in the Code section:
```
    Inch
    36e35127-b87b-418a-b4d6-1753d8447e50
    
        
    
    http://your-server-url
    
        
    
    15.0.0.0
    
        
    
    
        
    
    
        
    
    
        
    
    ****
    
```
- Replace the following:
  - path\to\your\styles.css: Replace with the actual path to your CSS file.
  - MyCustomStyles: Choose a meaningful name for your custom styles function.
  - Styles: This is the name of the object that will hold the CSS content.
Call the Custom Styles Function:
- In the Report Properties window, navigate to the Code tab.
- In the Global!ReportStart event, call the custom styles function you created:
```
Public Shared Sub ReportStart()
    MyCustomStyles()
End Sub
```
Apply Styles:
- Now you can apply the styles you defined in your CSS file to specific report elements. For example, to apply the body styles to the report's entire body, use:
```
    body
```

Advanced Tips for Custom CSS in SSRS

Use CSS Classes: For better organization and reusability, define separate CSS classes for different styles.
Target Specific Elements: Use CSS selectors to target specific elements in your report, such as #table1, .my-class, or td[data-field="name"].
Conditional Formatting: Utilize CSS for conditional formatting to highlight data based on specific criteria.
Use External CSS Files: Instead of embedding CSS directly in the RDL, consider storing your styles in an external CSS file and linking it to your report.
Test Thoroughly: Always test your custom CSS styles on different browsers and devices to ensure consistency.

Conclusion

Using custom CSS can significantly elevate the visual appeal and professionalism of your SSRS reports. By taking advantage of CSS's flexibility and power, you can achieve a personalized and sophisticated look and feel, making your reports more engaging and informative. Remember to test your styles thoroughly to guarantee consistency across all platforms and user experiences.