# Create a Report or Load an Existing Report

This topic explains how to create a new report directly from the Designer or use an empty report as a template.

## Content

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](/activereportsnet/docs/v20.1/report-authors/design-reports/design-page-rdl-reports/tutorials-page-rdl-report-scenarios) or using the [built-in project templates](/activereportsnet/docs/v20.1/devops/install-activereports) from Visual Studio.

### Create a Report

Use [NewReport()](/activereportsnet/api/v20.1/MESCIUS.ActiveReports.Design.Win/GrapeCity.ActiveReports.Design.Designer.html) method in the [Designer](/activereportsnet/api/v20.1/MESCIUS.ActiveReports.Design.Win/GrapeCity.ActiveReports.Design.Designer.html) 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.

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

```csharp
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](/activereportsnet/docs/v20.1/developers/create-applications/end-user-report-designer-app/use-end-user-report-designer-api) topic.

### Load an Existing Report

Use the [DefaultResourceLocator](/activereportsnet/api/v20.1/MESCIUS.ActiveReports.Core.Rdl/GrapeCity.ActiveReports.DefaultResourceLocator.html) 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.

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

```csharp
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**.

    > type=note
    > **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.

## See Also

#### Developers

####  [Load Reports](/activereportsnet/docs/v20.1/developers/create-applications/dotnet-viewer-application/working-with-win-viewer/load-reports-in-win-viewer)