Layout Migration Tool¶
The Layout Migration Tool is designed to help you with layout conversion. This user-friendly tool simplifies the process of converting your existing Report Designer Layouts (RDL) to the newer Report Studio - Designer Layouts (REP) format.
The new Layout Migration Tool lets you bulk convert your RDL layouts to REP layouts in one go. Download the tool from the IFS Developer Portal to get started.
Prerequisites¶
- Microsoft.NETCore.App Desktop Runtime version 8.0.0 or higher
- For a smooth conversion process, ensure your RDL layout files are organized as follows:
-Alongside each RDL file, place its corresponding schema file (*.xsd). This schema file defines the data structure used by the report.
- For the Images, a separate folder should be created at the layout level
-to add standard logos create “\images\stdlogo” folder & insert images (ex: IFSlogbw.gif)
-to add custom Images, create a folder as in the example - “\images\TAXLED\TAX_EU_PL_3_A_REP” & insert images
Getting Started with the Layout Migration Tool:¶
- Prepare Your RDL Layouts: Organize your RDL layout files and their corresponding schema files (*.xsd) & images within a designated folder for efficient conversion.
- Launch the Layout Migration Tool: Locate and launch the Layout Migration Tool following your system's specific instructions.
- Choose Your Conversion Method: Select either "Convert Report by selecting files" for individual conversions or "Convert Report by selecting a folder" for bulk conversions.
- Specify File Location: Browse and select the location of your RDL layouts (either a single file or a folder containing multiple files).
- Initiate Conversion: Click "Next" to start the conversion process.
- Conversion Success: Once complete, the tool will display a confirmation message and the converted REP layouts can be found in the ConvertedFiles folder. After conversion, the log summary will be shown within the tool & the detailed log file can be found in the ConvertedFiles folder & the home directory of the tool.
To read more about the conversion please refer to Convert RDL Layouts to REP Layouts page.
Known Limitations¶
While the Layout Migration Tool strives for near-perfect conversions, it's important to understand that it might not achieve 100% accuracy in every case due to the following:
- Complexity of Layouts: Report layouts can be intricate, involving various elements like text formatting, charts, images, and conditional formatting. Translating these elements perfectly from one format to another can be challenging due to potential differences in rendering capabilities between the source and target formats.
- Unforeseen Design Choices: The original layout might have been designed with specific workarounds or custom configurations that the migration tool might not be able to fully replicate.
However, the Layout Migration Tool is designed to do its best during the following scenarios :
- High Conversion Fidelity: The tool employs sophisticated algorithms to convert layouts as closely as possible to the original format, preserving the overall structure, data, and visual elements.
- Focus on Functionality: While some visual discrepancies might occur, the tool prioritizes ensuring that the converted layout retains its functionality and accurately represents the underlying data.
The statement acknowledges that even with the tool's best efforts, some manual adjustments might be necessary to achieve a perfect layout as follows:
- Fine-tuning Visual Elements: Adjustments to spacing, Formatting, or other visual elements might be required for an exact visual match.
- Addressing Specific Scenarios: In rare cases, the tool might not be able to perfectly translate certain complex elements, requiring manual intervention for an optimal outcome.
Overall, the Layout migration tool will try to convert the layouts from 70% to 80%, but in some specific scenarios, you might have to create the layout manually.