Task 12: Display the subreports next to one another

Now that the subreports display the correct data, you can focus on laying out the subreports next to one another. You cannot place two tables next to one another, because BIRT Report Designer creates block-level elements, which means that each element starts on a new line. To display side-by-side tables, you insert the tables in a grid. The grid enables you to align elements easily.

1.	Choose Layout to return to the layout editor.
2.	Drag a grid element from the palette, and drop it into the Detail row above the orders table. Insert Grid prompts you to specify the number of columns and rows for the grid.
3.	In Number of columns, type 2 and in Number of rows, type 1, then choose OK. A grid with two columns and one row appears in the layout editor.
4.	Move the orders table to the first grid cell. To do this, select the Table tab in the bottom-left corner, then drag the table and drop it in the grid cell.
5.	Move the payments table to the second grid cell. The report layout should look like the one shown in Figure 17-28. Figure 17-28. Side-by-side subreports in the report design [View full size image]
6.	Preview the report. The report should look like the one shown in Figure 17-29. Figure 17-29. Report preview showing side-by-side subreports [View full size image]