Continuation Area
- Last UpdatedApr 08, 2024
- 5 minute read
Use the continuation area functionality to identify a horizontal or vertical area in the datasheet template in which to display data related to a sub element of a datasheet tag (parent-child relation), for example: a pump and nozzles. Highlight multiple cells in the template and click Add Area in the toolbar of the datasheet template editor.
You can nest multiple continuation areas within another. In a datasheet instance, right-click options to control data sorting and filtering are available. You specify default filter and sort options in the properties of the template. If the attribute in a cell returns a numerical value, there are also Display Rule and Precision options.
Once an attribute from the nozzle data source (child) has been mapped on to the first row within the continuous area, the mapping is then repeated horizontally or vertically for each nozzle associated with the datasheet tag.
If the nozzles outnumber the number of rows or columns selected in the continuous area, new sheets are generated until all the nozzles display.
Cases can also be displayed in a continuation area.
Define the continuation area type, and default filtering and sorting options, using the Properties window.
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Orientation |
Select Horizontal to define a horizontal continuation area or select Vertical to define a vertical continuation area. |
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Type |
Select Sub Items to apply the continuation area to data related to a sub element or select Cases to apply the continuation area to defined Cases. |
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Filter |
In the Filter field, specify the default filtering criteria. In a datasheet instance, users can select different filtering if required. This option is available only if you have highlighted an entire continuation area in the template. When you right-click a continuation area in a datasheet instance, a context menu displays
a Filters option. The option opens the Filter Records form. |
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Sort |
In the Sort field, specify the default sorting criteria. In a datasheet instance, users can sort the data differently if required. This option is available only if you have highlighted an entire continuation area in the template. When you right-click a continuation area in a datasheet instance, a context menu displays a Sort option. Select the order in which to sort the data. |
Display Rule
A display rule specifies that the cell on which it is applied displays, for example, only values that are between specified limits.
Use the Display Rule Editor to configure a display rule on cell.
In a continuation area, click a cell containing an attribute.
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In the Display Rule Editor, select the Display Rule check box.
The check box is enabled only for attributes that return numerical values. -
Select a prefix, such as At least or Greater than.
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Select a suffix, such as and above.
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Optionally, select a comment to be displayed when the condition of the rule is met. Optionally, select the Use Comment Only check box to display only the comment when the condition of the rule is met.
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Select an operator.
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Specify a value.
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Select a unit measure.
If the operator is =, then you must specify a tolerance.
In a datasheet instance, if a cell has, or could have, a display rule defined on it, the Display Rule option is available from the cell's context menu. Select Display Rule to access these options:
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Option |
Description |
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Show Editor |
Opens the Display Rule Editor. You can specify a new display rule or modify an existing rule. |
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Disable and Enable |
Prevents application of the rule until you select Display Rule>Enable.This option is persistent across sessions. |
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Remove |
Removes the rule from the datasheet instance for the current session. |
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Copy Rule |
Copies the rule so that it can be pasted to another cell. |
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Paste Rule |
Pastes a copied rule into another cell during the current session. You can independently enable and disable copied and pasted rules. |
A separate context menu option, Precision, is also enabled if a cell has, or could have, a display rule defined on it.
Select the number of decimals to display for values returned by the display rule. Optionally, choose to remove trailing values.
Filters
Use the Filter form to define one or more filters which can then be selected in a datasheet instance.
Select the entire continuation area and then click the continuation area cell on which to create a filter. In the Properties pane, click the ellipsis in the Filter Conditions field.
In a datasheet instance, right-click the cell to filter and select Filters and the area to filter (for example, Current Level). The Filter records form is displayed.
If a filter has been defined in the template, you can use it with or without modifying it. If no filter has been defined, you can create a filter.
Click Clear to clear the form fields.
If a filter has been defined in the template, click Default to load the filter.
Click Filter to apply the filter.