Adding a group band onto a form is used to group the dataset record by a pre-defined parameter. You can group the dataset records into paragraphs or section.

The principle is that the FORMachine 1.0 engine will check the expression of the group band with the last data record's expression. If both expression conditions are the same, the group band will be printed. There are many functions available for the user to calculate the expression. A sophisticated form can be prepared with great flexibility.

The following options are available:

Master:

Defines which is the master band for the group. This can be either the detail band or a subdetail band. The group is checked each time the master band is printed.

Color:

This defines the background color of the band.

Expression:

An expression can be used to control the band whether should be print or not. You can generate and edit the expression by the expression expert. The FORMachine 1.0 engine will check the expression boolean for a logical result of 'True' or 'False

Print

• at bottom of page: moves the band to the bottom of the page before printing it
• force new page: starts a new page before printing the band
• force new column: starts a new column before printing the band with multiple columns

Footerband:

This band is printed at the end of each group, before the next group band is printed.

Frame: see Standard bands