Setting Font Size in MS Reporting Services
Microsoft Reporting Services (SSRS) offers a powerful way to create dynamic and visually appealing reports. One crucial aspect of report design is controlling the font size of text elements, which directly impacts readability and visual appeal. This article will guide you through different methods for setting font size in SSRS reports.
Understanding Font Size Properties in SSRS
In SSRS, you can control the font size of text elements using the FontSize property. This property is accessible in the Properties pane when you select a text element like a Textbox, Table Cell, or Chart Label.
Setting Font Size for Specific Elements
The simplest way to set font size is to apply it directly to individual elements:
- Select the element: Click on the Textbox, Table Cell, or any other text element you want to style.
- Open Properties: Go to the Properties pane in the Report Designer window.
- Locate FontSize: Scroll down to the FontSize property.
- Set the Value: Enter the desired font size in points (pt). For example, to set the font size to 12 points, enter 12pt.
Example:
true
true
=Fields!ProductName.Value
This code snippet defines a Textbox named "Textbox1" with the font size set to 12pt.
Using Expressions for Dynamic Font Size
For scenarios where you need to change font size dynamically based on data values or other report parameters, you can utilize expressions.
Example:
Let's say you want to display product names with a larger font size if their price exceeds $100. You can achieve this with an expression:
=IIF(Fields!Price.Value > 100, "14pt", "10pt")
This expression uses the IIF function to evaluate if the product price is greater than 100. If true, it sets the font size to 14pt, otherwise it sets it to 10pt.
Applying Font Size Using Styles
To maintain consistent font sizes across your report, you can leverage styles. Here's how to create and apply a font size style:
- Create a Style: Go to the Report Data pane and right-click on Report Styles. Choose Add Style.
- Configure the Style: Name the style (e.g., "LargeFontSize"). In the Style properties, set the FontSize property to your desired value.
- Apply the Style: Select the text element you want to style and in the Properties pane, find the Style property. Choose your created style ("LargeFontSize") from the dropdown.
Using Font Size in Different Report Elements
The approach for setting font size is generally the same across various report elements:
Textboxes: Font size is directly set in the Textbox properties.
Table Cells: Font size is controlled in the Cell Properties of the table.
Chart Labels: You can modify the font size of chart labels within the Chart Properties pane.
Best Practices for Font Size in SSRS
- Readability: Choose font sizes that ensure easy reading for your audience. Smaller sizes might make text hard to read, while overly large sizes can crowd the report.
- Consistency: Maintain consistency in font size throughout the report for visual harmony.
- Hierarchy: Utilize different font sizes to create a visual hierarchy and emphasize important information.
- Accessibility: Consider accessibility guidelines when choosing font sizes.
Conclusion
Mastering font size control in SSRS empowers you to create reports that are visually appealing and effectively convey information. By understanding the various methods of setting font size and following best practices, you can create impactful and reader-friendly reports.