Summary

This article will walk you through preventing one table from overlapping the other.

 

Issue

I have multiple tables in a WebI report that are overlapping. How can I align tables to prevent this?

 

Resolution

Report Readers should notify their report designers or contact the Center for DATA WebI team and request a new version of the report.

Report Creators have several ways to align tables with each other. Each method serves different purposes.

The easiest method is to manually move the tables so that the data in one table is not overlaid by the other table. This is sufficient for single-use ad hoc reports that you do not intend to share with others. However, if the report is shared or run multiple times, unless the tables are always the same length or width, with this method you risk overlaying one table with the other.

The second way to align tables is to use the "Quick Alignment". This method is useful for single-use ad hoc reports, or for published reports where the length and width of the tables is known, but you want a greater alignment accuracy and speedier changes than what you get when you move the tables manually.

The third way to align tables is to use the "Relative Position" option. This method is best for published reports where the length and width of tables may vary over time. A best practice for published reports or reports you share with others is to set all sections, blocks of data, and single cells, relative to one another, so that when the data in the report changes, each section, block or cell of data responds dynamically.

 

Instructions

Step 1 - Using CTL-Click, select the tables you want to align.

Step 2 - Right-click and select "Align". You will have the choice to Align Left, Center, Right, or Top. You also have a "Relative Position" choice, which will be discussed separately. For this example, "Align Top" was selected.

 

Step 3 - At the warning message, click "Yes" (or click "No" and follow the instructions below for "Relative Position").

 

Outcome

The lower table will align its top margins with the upper table's top margin.

While "Quick Alignment" is fast and easy to use, it doesn't provide the flexibility to align the top of the table with the bottom of another table, the left-side to a right-side. Nor does it adjust when the primary table's height and width grows.

In the image above the two tables are far apart. To move them closer together and relative to each other, use "Relative Position" alignment instead.

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"Relative Position" allows the Report Designer to dynamically move a table's position in the report, relative to another tables number of rows or columns. For example if you use "Relative Position" on a secondary table, setting it to the right of a primary table, and then remove a column from your primary table, the secondary table will move to the left, retaining the distance between them.

Instructions

Step 1 - Using CTL-Click, select the table on the right.

Step 2 - Right-click and select "Align" and then select "Relative Position". The "Format Table" dialog box opens with the "Layout" section selected.

Step 3 - In the "Position Within the Report" section, for each type of positioning, work from the bottom up. For this example:

1. Under "The left side of the table", we selected "Right side of...".
2. We then selected the primary table, which in this example was called the "State Block".
3. Next we chose ".04" so that there was a little space between the two tables.
4. We also positioned the top side of the secondary table to the top of the primary table.
5. Click "OK".

 

Outcome

The secondary (right-hand) table is aligned relative to the position and size of the primary (left-hand) table.

 

Now if we add or remove a column, or move the primary table up, down, right, or left, the secondary table responds automatically.

A best practice for published reports or reports you share with others is to set all sections, blocks of data, and single cells, relative to one another, so that when the data in the report changes, each section, block or cell of data responds dynamically.

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Need Additional Help?

If you have questions not answered here, please submit a request to the Center for DATA WebI team, or contact the Technology Help Desk.