A form determines the content and formal structure of a report. A form can be thought of as a semi-finished report, which you complete by specifying (additional) characteristics and key figures when you define the individual report. The content of a form should generally be fixed and change only under rare circumstances. When you change a form, it affects every report that uses that form.
Types of form
Forms are divided into forms with one axis and forms with two axes. Forms with one axis only consist of one dimension -- that is, either columns or rows. Forms with two axes contain both columns and rows. You can choose from the following form types:
In a form with one axis without key figure, you define either the rows or the columns of the form by choosing characteristics. When you press Continue, the system displays an empty structure of columns. You can "tip" this structure at any time by choosing Goto
In a form with one axis with key figure, you define either the rows or the columns of the form by choosing key figures. When you press Continue, the system displays an empty structure of rows. You can "tip" this structure at any time by choosing Goto ® Column display from the menu. You can therefore choose whether to define rows or columns for this type of form.
In a form with two axis with key figure, you define both the rows and the columns of the form by choosing key figures and characteristics. When you press Continue, the system displays an empty structure of rows and columns. You can define key figures in the rows or in the columns, depending on how you want to use the form.
Which type of form you want to use will depend on what type of layout and what content you require for your report.
You can find further information about the various types of forms in the section: Basic Report and Report with Form.
See also the following topic areas, which are also of relevance for forms:
Entry and Use of Hierarchy Nodes