03. Open, copy and save report templates

Open, copy and save report templates

Open, Save As, Export and Import form the security chain for X-ERP report templates.

Open Report designer on the desktop Administration.

Your goal

You can open templates, create a working copy, save them as an X-ERP-REPORT, import them again and avoid accidental overwriting.

Why this is crucial in the report designer

A report template is more than a file: it can be assigned to a report type, a document type or an output control. Clean naming and saving preserves these relationships and makes variants comprehensible.

Elements and settings at a glance

• Open: Shows the templates available in the X-ERP report store by name.
• Save: Updates the currently open template.
• Save as: Creates a new template with a different name.
• Export report: Downloads the active template as a file with the extension .X-ERP-REPORT.
• Import report: Uploads an .X-ERP-REPORT file, queries a name and opens the result in the designer.
• Report name: Unique key of the template; use short, stable and understandable names.

Here's how to do it

1. Open the desired initial template and check the name and preview.
2. Select X-ERP “Export Report” and archive the file with date and purpose.
3. Create a working copy with a new name using “Save As” or importing.
4. Close and reopen the working copy to confirm saving.
5. Only assign the finished template to the productive process after testing and approval.

Exercise

Export a test template, import it as “TEST_Reportkurs_01” and change only one heading. After that, open the original and copy in separate tabs and compare both.

Check the result

• Original and copy have different names.
• The backup file can be clearly assigned to the initial status.
• After reopening, all changes are there.
• The active tab can be clearly identified before saving.

Typical errors and their solutions

• Same import name: Can replace or update an existing template.
• Leave unsaved: X-ERP warns; cancel the exit if you want to preserve changes.
• Edit XML field manually: Design the template in the report designer; the saved layout is not a user text file.

Your result

You can experiment without jeopardizing productive output and reliably restore any released state.

Further information / source

Related topics

1. For customizers – customize screens and forms › Report designer › 01. Getting started and secure workflow
2. For customizers – customize screens and forms › Report designer › 19. Test, release and fix errors

Frequently asked questions