Although you can use C1Report in many different scenarios, on the desktop and on the Web, the main sequence of steps is always the same:

1. Create a report definition

   This can be done directly with the C1Report Designer or using the report designer in Microsoft Access and then importing it into the C1Report Designer. You can also do it using code, either using the object model to add groups and fields or by writing a custom XML file.

2. Load the report into the C1Report component

   This can be done at design time, using the Load Report context menu, or programmatically using the C1Report.Load method. If you load the report at design time, it will be persisted (saved) with the control and you won't need to distribute the report definition file.

   Render the report (desktop applications)

3. If you are writing a desktop application, you can render the report into a C1PrintPreview control (or a Microsoft PrintPreview control) using the C1Report.Document property. The preview control will display the report on the screen, and users will be able to preview it with full zooming, panning, and so on.

4. Render the report (Web applications)

   If you are writing a Web application, you can render reports into HTML or PDF files using the RenderToFile method, and your users will be able to view them using any browser.

The following steps will show you how to create a report definition, load the report into the C1Report component, and render the report.