Adjusting SSRS Reports to Fit Avery Label Templates: A Practical Guide

Introduction: Tailoring SSRS reports to fit Avery label templates can be a precise task. This guide provides a step-by-step approach, using a real example to demonstrate how to align your SSRS report with Avery 5961 label specifications.

Step 1: Download the Avery Template

• Go to the Avery official website and download the Word version of your desired template (e.g., Avery 5961).

Step 2: Align SSRS Margins with the Avery Template

• Open the downloaded template in Word to determine its margins. For Avery 5961, typical margins are Top - 1.27 cm (approximately 0.5 inches), Bottom - 1.06 cm (approximately 0.42 inches), Left - 0.64 cm (approximately 0.25 inches), Right - 0.79 cm (approximately 0.31 inches).
• Set your SSRS report's margins to match these dimensions.
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• In SSRS:
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  Step 3: Calculate and Set Row Heights in SSRS

• Consider the height of each label (1 inch for Avery 5961) and plan your table's row heights accordingly.
• Example Case Calculation: In our example, the main report had a first-row height of 0.24 inches and a second row (containing a subreport) initially set at 0.2 inches. The subreport contained four rows with individual heights of 0.19, 0.18, 0.19, and 0.18 inches. The total height of the subreport (0.74 inches) exceeds the second row height, causing it to expand and accommodate the subreport.

Main Report

Sub Report

Clarification on Subreport Row Expansion:

• In SSRS, when a subreport is embedded within a row of the main report, the main report row height adjusts to accommodate the total height of the subreport. Individual row heights within the subreport are maintained as set in the subreport.
• In our case, the final rendered row heights in the main report follow the subreport's row heights: 0.19, 0.18, 0.19, and 0.18 inches.

Step 4: Control Row Height Adjustments

• Disable the 'CanGrow' and 'CanShrink' options for rows in both the main report and subreport. This helps in maintaining consistent row heights and prevents unexpected layout changes.
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Conclusion: Adjusting an SSRS report to match Avery label specifications requires careful planning and consideration of report elements, especially when dealing with subreports. The key is to ensure that the total height of your content fits within the label height while maintaining the layout as intended.