Add Parameters to a Report

Parameters allow you to make your reports interactive by prompting users to input values before the report is generated. These values can be used to filter data, customize layout, or drive calculated fields.

In this example, we’ll create two date-time parameters to filter orders by date range.

---

Steps to Add Parameters

1. Add a Parameter

• In the Tool Bar, Click on the ‘Parameters’ button in the Data Group.

The Parameters button

• This invokes the Parameter Dialog.

The Parameters Dialog

2. Configure the Parameter

In the configuration window:

• Set the Name (e.g., StartDate) and Description.
• Set the Type to an appropriate value (e.g., DateTime).

The configured parameter

📝 Note: In Print Preview, the report won’t generate until values for all visible parameters are entered.

---

3. Add the Second Parameter

Repeat steps 1–3 to create a second parameter (e.g., EndDate).
When the report is previewed, users will be prompted to specify both dates.

The preview prompts the user

You can now use these parameters to filter data or reference them in expressions and calculated fields. Using the parameters in our filters is a powerful way to shape your report data.

See also: Using Filters and Using subreports