Creating Custom and Financial Tables

Custom and financial tables can be created within the Content box to customise additional data that you may want to display in your reports. To begin, add a table by clicking on the blue plus icon and then the ellipsis next to 'More'. This will bring up the remaining options, select either Custom Table or Financial Table:

  • A Custom Table allows full flexibility in displaying any type of data in tabular form
  • A Financial Table contains the formula editor (see below) so that financial information can be automatically populated from your client's data



Custom tables


To start building the table, click on either the pencil icon to the left, or the grey area of the 'My Table' row.



This will open up the edit mode.



From here you can create as many columns and rows as required. To insert an additional column, hover your mouse in the area where you would like the column and click on the + button.



To edit the formatting of an entire column, click on the pencil icon above the relevant column. The following options will become available:


FieldDescriptionValidation
AlignmentDetermines the alignment of the data.Three options:
Left (default for string columns)
- Centre
- Right (default for number columns)
Sizing TypeDetermines whether the width of the column remains fixed or changes relative to the data entered.Required
Select SizeDetermines the width of the column.
Seven options
Value TypeDetermines if the column will contain numbers, text (string), or dates.

Note: Text cannot be entered into cells set to a 'Number' value type.
Required
Number FormatDetermines the type of number to display when the Value Type is set to 'Number'.
Required
Four options:
- Normal
- Percent
- Favourable/Unfavourable
- Favourable/Unfavourable percent
RoundingUsed to set the number of decimal places when the Value Type is set to 'Number'.


To insert a row, hover your mouse either above or below an existing row and click on the + button. 


 

By default, the first row is a column header, the second row added is a header row and the third is a standard row. These can all be edited or deleted using the pencil or bin icons to the left of the row. Clicking on the hamburger icon allows you to move the row to another location.



Clicking on the edit icon brings up the following options:


FieldDescriptionValidation
Row TypeDetermines settings, such as font, colour, and borders, for the row.Required
Six Options
LevelDetermines whether to indent the data and to what extent.Required
Value Type
Determines if the row will contain numbers, text (string), or dates.

Note: Text cannot be entered into cells set to a 'Number' value type.

AlignmentDetermines the alignment of the data.
Three options:
Left (default for string columns)
- Centre
- Right (default for number columns)
Row StyleCan be set to 'Normal' or 'Group Header' if the 'Header' or 'Column Header' Row Type is selected. Or to 'Normal' or 'Alternative' if the 'Total' Row Type is selected.Required
HeightUsed to set the height of the row in pixels when the 'Spacer' Row Type is selected.Required
Number FormatDetermines the type of number to display when the Value Type is set to 'Number'.
Required
Four options:
- Normal
- Percent
- Favourable/Unfavourable
- Favourable/Unfavourable percent
RoundingUsed to set the number of decimal places when the Value Type is set to 'Number'.

In addition to being able to edit rows and columns, you are also able to customise individual cells. To edit a cell, or to enter data into it, simply click on it and many of the same formatting features will be available. The Value box is used for data entry, a larger box denoting a 'String' (text) value type and a smaller box, a 'Number' value type.


The Colspan option allows you to merge cells together in a row, simply select how many columns wide you would like the cell to be.



Once you have completed your table, hit the Close button and then save the template.


Financial tables


Creating a financial table works in exactly the same way as a custom table. The differences are that you begin with two columns of period data (which automatically adjust to the number of columns selected in your financial report), and you are able to add formulae to allow for automatic calculations in your reports.



You are able to add, edit and delete rows and columns as described previously. However, depending on the row type (i.e. standard or total rows), you are also able to select the Use formula for this row option. Clicking on the checkbox will allow you to add titles for the row, choose the ledger side of the data, as well as give you the option to display the data as a percentage.



Once the row has been edited to contain formula, a Manual cell becomes available. Simply click in the cell to enter your formula using the formula editor (see below).



The formula editor


The 'Row' and 'Total' row types allow you to create formulae so that the data will auto-populate when generating a report. To do this click on the Manual cell under the period headings. This will bring up the formula editor. Active Ledger contains a number of standard formulae for use:

  • Gross Profit
  • Operating Profit
  • EBITDA
  • EBIT
  • Earnings Before Tax
  • Profit


These can be used alone or as part of a larger formula. To insert, click on the 'Select type of element to insert' dropdown. Selecting Standard Formula will bring up a second drop-down menu with the options listed above. Choose the relevant formula and click Insert. Once your formula is complete click Save



It is also possible to create formulae manually. To do this you can use the MasterAccountId and/or AccountId options from the 'Insert Components' drop-down list. This will bring up a second drop menu of System Headers or System and Custom Headers, respectively.



The formula editor is a powerful tool that can be used in conjunction with Fields (see the knowledge article: Reporting - Fields) to create fully customised reports. Below is an example showing the formula for debtor days.



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