Be able to set report titles

Topic 18 – Databases

Objective: Be able to set report titles

Report titles give the reader an immediate understanding of the purpose and content of a report. In the IGCSE ICT exam you may be asked to create a report and add an appropriate title.

Why a Report Title is Important

• Identifies the subject of the report.
• Provides context for the data presented.
• Helps the audience locate the report quickly in a file system or printed set of documents.
• Often required by assessment criteria for clarity and presentation.

General Steps to Set a Report Title (Applicable to most DBMS)

1. Open the report in Design view (or Layout view).
2. Insert a Header section if one does not already exist.
3. Choose a text box or label control and place it at the top of the Header.
4. Enter the desired title text (e.g., “Sales Summary – July 2025”).
5. Format the title:
   • Font size – usually larger than body text (e.g., 14‑16 pt).
   • Bold or underline for emphasis.
   • Center‑align the text for a professional appearance.
6. Save the report and preview it to ensure the title appears correctly on each page.

Setting a Report Title in Microsoft Access

Step	Action
1	Open the database and double‑click the report in the Navigation Pane.
2	Switch to Design \cdot iew from the \cdot iew dropdown.
3	If the Report Header section is not visible, add it via Design → Add Existing Fields → Report Header.
4	Click the Label tool on the Design ribbon and draw a label in the Report Header.
5	Type the title text, then use the Property Sheet to set: Font Size = 14 pt Font Weight = Bold Text Align = Center
6	Save the report (Ctrl + S) and switch to Print Preview to verify the title.

Setting a Report Title in LibreOffice Base

1. Open the Base file and select the report from the Reports section.
2. Right‑click the report name and choose Edit to open the Report Builder.
3. Insert a Header band if it is not already present (Insert → Header).
4. From the toolbar, select the Label control and click inside the Header band.
5. Enter the title text, then open the Properties window:
   • Font = Arial, Size = 14
   • Weight = Bold
   • Alignment = Center
6. Save the report and use Print Preview to check the appearance.

Tips for Effective Report Titles

• Keep it concise – usually no more than 8‑10 words.
• Include the key variable(s) such as date range, department, or product type.
• Avoid abbreviations that the reader may not recognise.
• Use title case (capitalize major words) for a professional look.