# Report Builder CLI

Use the ActiveReports CLI Report Builder to create and modify Page and RDLX reports through an AI agent.

## Content

## Overview
Use the ActiveReports CLI Report Builder to create and modify Page and RDLX reports through an AI agent.
The ActiveReports CLI Report Builder is a local command-line tool for `.rdlx` report files. It gives AI agents a structured way to create reports and make report changes without editing report XML directly.
The CLI can create and modify report data, controls, layout, styles, and other report features. It can also validate a report and create PDF or image output for review.

## When to Use the CLI Report Builder
Use the CLI Report Builder when you want to:
* create a report from a natural-language description.
* automate a repeatable report design task.
* modify an existing `.rdlx` report with an AI agent.
* create reports in a local or headless environment.
* validate and preview a report after an automated change.

Use a graphical ActiveReports.NET designer when you need direct visual control over the report design surface.
>type=note
> The CLI Report Builder supports Page and RDLX report files. It does not author Section reports or `.rpx` files.

## Prerequisites

Before you install the CLI Report Builder, make sure that you have:
* a supported Windows environment.
* the .NET 8 SDK.
* an AI agent that can run local commands, if you want to use natural-language report authoring.
* access to each report, template, and data file that the agent must use.

Some data providers, runtime checks, and rendering operations can require additional drivers, data access, or a valid ActiveReports.NET license.

## Ask Your AI Agent to Set Up the CLI
If your AI agent can run local terminal commands, it can install and configure the CLI Report Builder for you. Ask the agent:
```text
Use the ActiveReports.NET MCP Server to install and configure the ActiveReports CLI
Report Builder for this AI client. Verify the installation, check the local
environment, and install or update the bundled Agent Skill for this client.
```
The agent uses the MCP Server to get the current setup instructions. It then installs the CLI, verifies the local environment, and installs the correct skill adapter for the current AI client.
Your AI client can ask for permission before it installs software or changes your client configuration. Approve the requested actions to continue.
If your AI agent cannot run local commands, follow the [Manual Setup](#manual-setup) instructions near the bottom of this page.
>type=note
> The bundled skill supports Codex, Claude Code, and GitHub Copilot. Other AI agents can use the CLI when they can run local commands, but they do not use one of these bundled skill adapters.

## Create a Report with an AI Agent
Give the agent a clear result, the required data, and the full output path. For example:
```text
Use the ActiveReports.NET MCP Server and ActiveReports CLI Report Builder to create
an RDLX sales summary report at C:\Reports\SalesSummary.rdlx.

Use C:\Data\Sales.csv as the data source. Add a report title, a monthly sales chart,
a detail table, and a grand total. Validate the report and render a PNG preview in
C:\Reports\Preview.
```
The agent can use the MCP Server for ActiveReports.NET guidance and the local CLI to create, validate, and preview the report.
Review the generated `.rdlx` file and preview. You can then ask the agent to refine the result. For example:
```text
Make the chart easier to read, format the sales values as currency, and keep the
table within the printable page width. Validate the report and update the preview.
```
## Modify an Existing Report
Give the agent the full report path and describe only the changes that you want. For example:
```text
Use the ActiveReports CLI Report Builder to inspect C:\Reports\Invoice.rdlx.
Add a Due Date field below the invoice date, format the invoice total as currency,
and render a PNG preview. Keep all other report content unchanged.
```
The agent inspects the report before it changes the file. It then applies the requested changes and validates the result.
>type=warning
> Keep a copy of an important report before you use any automated authoring tool. Review all changes before you publish the report.
## Manual Setup
Use these instructions only if your AI agent cannot install and configure the CLI Report Builder for you.
### Install or Update the CLI
Install the CLI as a global .NET tool:
```powershell
dotnet tool install --global MESCIUS.ActiveReports.CLI
```
If the CLI is already installed, update it:
```powershell
dotnet tool update --global MESCIUS.ActiveReports.CLI
```
### Verify the Installation
Confirm that the `active-reports` command is available and check the local environment:
```powershell
active-reports --version
active-reports system doctor --no-runtime
```
If the command is not found, restart the terminal or AI client and run the commands again.
### Install the Agent Skill
Install the bundled Agent Skill for your AI client. The following example installs it for Codex:
```powershell
active-reports agent skill install --client codex --scope user
```
Replace `codex` with `claude` for Claude Code or `copilot` for GitHub Copilot. Restart the AI client after you install or update the skill.
## Choose the Correct ActiveReports.NET Tool
| Task | Recommended tool |
| ---- | ---------------- |
| Ask product questions or get implementation guidance | ActiveReports.NET MCP Server |
| Create or modify a local `.rdlx` report with an AI agent | ActiveReports CLI Report Builder |
| Design a report interactively | Visual Studio Designer, standalone Designer, or WebDesigner |
| Display, run, or export a report in an application | ActiveReports.NET runtime APIs and viewer components |
## See Also
#### AI Agent Tools
[AI Agent Tools](/activereportsnet/docs/developers/ai-agent-tools)
#### MCP Server
[MCP Server](/activereportsnet/docs/developers/ai-agent-tools/mcp-server)

#### Report Types

[Report Types](/activereportsnet/docs/report-authors/reporttypes)

#### Design Reports

[Design Reports](/activereportsnet/docs/report-authors/design-reports)