This topic discusses about creating and loading a Page or an RDLX report in designer using code. We recommend you to create a new report directly from the standalone designer or using the built-in project templates from Visual Studio.

Create a Report

Use NewReport() method in the Designer class to initialize the designer with a new report layout, with specified type. Make sure to add MESCIUS.ActiveReports.Design.Win package to your project.   

using System.Windows.Forms;
using GrapeCity.ActiveReports.Design;

var _designer = new Designer() { Dock = DockStyle.Fill };
_designer.NewReport(DesignerReportType.RdlMultiSection);
Controls.Add(_designer);

For details on using additional Designer class methods, properties, and events, refer to the Use End-User Report Designer API topic.

Load an Existing Report

Use the DefaultResourceLocator class especially in case when you are dealing with master reports (RDLX reports). You can create a new report with the master report and load it in the designer as shown. Make sure to add MESCIUS.ActiveReports.Core.Rdl package to your project.

using System.Windows.Forms;
using GrapeCity.ActiveReports.Design;
using GrapeCity.ActiveReports;

var _designer = new Designer() { Dock = DockStyle.Fill };
_designer.ResourceLocator = new DefaultResourceLocator(new Uri(path to master));
_designer.LoadReport(new FileInfo(path to report));

Load an RDLX file at Design Time

1. From the Visual Studio > Report menu, select Load Layout.
   Note: The Report menu in Visual Studio 2019 and above is available as submenu under Extensions. You should select the Design View of the report in the ActiveReports Designer first.
2. In the Open dialog that appears, navigate to the location of the .rdlx file and select it.
3. Click the Open button to load the report layout.