This topic describes basic XML definitions needed in most templates. The XML excerpts are from the Simple Report example template (EX_RT101).

The first few elements of the XML file are always the same. The first element to pay attention to is drilldowndefinition. This definition specifies how the drill-down window looks like when drilling down into figures in report columns. The specifications are stored in a separate template and the name of this template is what is told with the drilldowndefinition setting. We use a standard drill-down definition file BW_DT101. The type attribute is always file.

Figure 22: Drilldowndefinition

Then the sheet id and the settings are defined. The id is used for referencing to sheets of a workbook in cases of multiple sheet templates. In the the Simple Report example template (EX_RT101) there is just one sheet but for technical reasons the id must be given anyhow.

The sheet name must be the same as the sheet name in the workbook. The sheet type is report because this template is a report (not, for example, an input or custom template).

The pageorientation and fittopages attributes are optional and they have been added here as examples of common settings.

Figure 23: Pageorientation and fittopages

As for the sheet, also the area must have an id, type, and name. The name must be the same as the area name in the workbook. Areaorder tells in which order areas are calculated on multiple area sheets. In the Simple Report example template (EX_RT101) there is just one area but for technical reasons the area order must be specified. This is done by listing the areas in order of calculation using the listitem parameter.

Presentationtype tells whether the content of definition columns is defined in the workbook (predefined) or constructed when opening the template (retrievefromdata).

Basicareasettings direct how currency conversion is performed and how positive and negative numbers are shown for various account types.

Figure 24: Basicareasettings