The Grid User Function Library is a Crystal Reports User Function Library that consists of a standalone DLL (CRUFLGrid.DLL).

Many people find it very useful to use a Crystal Report to do a complex data extract or calculations on some data and then to export the results to Excel for additional manipulation. Each new version of Crystal Reports has included improvements to this, but still we hear the formatting is an issue. We also hear that administrators really don't like dealing with this issue.

So, we have the solution: Grid UFL. This User Function Library gives you the level of control that you need. Through the Grid User Function Library, we have made it easier for you to export data as Excel, CSV, Text or Tab delimited files. This new UFL treats your saved data as a Grid. It gives you granular control, which is a huge advantage.

• Use the GridCellClear (rows,cols) to declare a work area of a predetermined size. This formula should normally be in your report header section.
• Then use other formulas in your group and details section to save values in the grid.
• Use GridCellLoadRawValue (row, col, value) to store a value in the working area. You could also use GridCellLoadDelimitedValue(row, col, value, delimiter) to automatically put quote marks or some other field delimiter around the value.
• Then save it all to the disk file with GridCellSave(Filename,Separator). Use a comma, tab character or any other ASCII value to separate each value on each line of your disk file.

The Grid UFL processes as the report is processing. This means you could use the GridCellClear in a Group header section, and the GridCellSave in the matching Group Footer to created a different file for each group value. Just watch out for those Repeating Group Header sections or you will find your grid work area resetting on as each group repeats on a new page.

The free trial version has a limit of 20 rows and 20 columns in the output file so you can see how it works, but the full version has no restriction. This UFL is compatible with all versions of Crystal Reports (later than the very old version 5).

To download the instruction manual for Grid UFL, right click here .