Crystal Reports Administration: Data Parameter Validation

Parameter edit masks can control data input.

Usually, we leave parameters for the user to enter the required values. They will quickly learn to enter the date in an unusual format, or discover you wanted them to select the customer code rather than the full name.

But sometimes we might need to help them a little bit with the parameter entry as well.

At one site, there was a risk of entering product codes in lower case. So we used the “Edit Mask” feature to force the input to UPPER case. 

Edit masks are specified on the “Default Values” screen and we used a mask of 
>LLLLLLLL 

The “>” forces the input into UPPER case and the “L” indicates an optional alphanumeric value.

There is a range of edit mask control characters available. Use them if you want to restrict user input. 

See also:

• Data accuracy issues

• Data Validation and the Crystal Reports administrator

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