C# reports

Question

I come from a UNIX background where most reports are spooled to a = >dot-matrix printer using pre-printed stationery. >I am currently writing my first Windows Forms C# application and need to = >write reports which will be sent to a laser printer and which require = >the formatting to be done programmatically as there will be no = >pre-printed stationery. I am referring to reports such as statements and = >invoices which require numerous tables and images etc. > >My question is which is the best way to write such reports? >Should I use a report writer such as Crystal Reports? >Can I use a Microsoft Word Picture as a background and populate text = >boxes within the picture. > >I really have no idea which route to pursue and would really appreciate = >some advise. > >Much thanks

Dennis · Answer

Thanks very much for your reply Steven. I would very much appreciate your sending me some code (even in VB) as well as a sample .SOT file.

sjones · Answer

If the data goes on the page is consistent places my advice would be to use Word. What you do is create a .DOT file which creates your pre-printed stationery. You then create Bookmarks in the places where you need to insert text. In your program you instruct Word to create a new Document using the Template. Then in code you Select the Bookmark and Insert the Text. I do this all the time. But I do it with VB6. I would send you some code but I haven't had to do it with C# yet. It is pretty straight forward.