Break between order numbers - can I do?

[Johnrg]

Guys,
I have an customer order report that, in the detail section, sorts ascending by the order number, then size and grade. Our customers often have multiple order numbers in the system and this report is hard to read as it is.
I want my report to have a small break (2-3mm)between each group of matching order numbers.
I have attached the report as a PDF to show you what I mean.
Is this possible, if so how do I go about it?
Thanks
JohnG

 

[Galaxiom]

AFIK this can only be done through VBA code. The technique I saw leaves out a line rather than inserting a few milimetres. It could be extended to change the RowHeight property of the datasheet subform while the gap was inserted.

Basically it uses the OnPrint event of the Report Detail section to run code.
A loop analyses the value of the field against the previous record.
It switches off the visible property on the first instance of a new value before it prints.
Then switches it back on for the next line without having moved to the next record.

Unfortunately I can't find the post.

 

[boblarson]

Actually, you can do this if you set a GROUPING on Order number and then use that group's footer which is sized for the break.

 

[Galaxiom]

Would appear that someone did a lot of work to achieve something Access could do natively. Maybe it is fortunate I couldn't find that post. Wouldn't want to make another link to it.

This is not an uncommon experience when looking for Access solutions. It is most often encountered where features have been added in newer versions but Grouping has always been part of Access.

I recall asking a question here a while back about a small problem and was directed to a solution using hundreds of lines of code. I looked at my handful of lines meant to achieve the same task and wondered if I was severely deluded. Eventually I realised the solution was for Access 2000 and the new features from Access 2003 on did allow it to be done in a few lines.

But old ideas accumulate many links over time making them easily found. Always be mindful of this when evaluating a potential solution to your problems.