Notes

Outline

A Tutorial on Using Snapshots for Access Reports Presented by ProgrammingMSAccess.Com http://www.programmingmsaccess.com

Introduction to Snapshot Tutorial Snapshot files extend dramatically the range of applications for Access reports You can use them on LAN servers, Web servers, and with e-mail Because they use a free viewer, you can use them without Access and with any browser

What’s a Snapshot File? It is a stand-alone file that can display an Access report A workstation does not require Access to view the report in a snapshot file, but it appears with the same fidelity as Access A workstation does require a special snapshot viewer application – this is free You can view snapshot files separately, embedded in web pages, and as attachments to e-mail messages

Selected Reports You Can Publish with Snapshot Files Highly formatted summary reports Reports containing chart packages Catalogs describing products or other items of interest (can include images of items and other descriptive information)

How to Make a Snapshot File Use the File | Export command Use the OutputTo Method for DoCmd Use the SendObject Method for DoCmd

Making a Snapshot with the File | Export command Select report in database window Choose the File | Export command Select Snapshot Format from Save as type box Optionally, alter the default name for the stand-alone snapshot file, specify a new path in the Save in box, clear Autostart checkbox, Click Save

Making a Snapshot File with the OutputTo Method General format for method is:     DoCmd.OutputTo acOutputReport, _ strName, strOutputFormat, strPath acOutputReport specifies the output type as a report strName represents the report’s name strOutputFormat should equal "Snapshot Format" strPath designates the file name and path for the stand-alone snapshot file

Making a Snapshot File with the SendObject Method Format for the SendObject method is     DoCmd.SendObject acOutputReport, obj1name, _       acFormatSNP, "MyBoss@mycompany.com", , , _       "Snapshot Report", "Here is the report.", False Report name is obj1name Insert recipient list for "MyBoss@mycompany.com " Replace "Here is the report.“ with message string

View Snapshot Over the Web Point browser at .snp file on a web server Use ActiveX control to embed snapshot of a web page with other HTML content

Point Browser at Snapshot File Use http or ftp protocol With IE, you can download or open from remote site over http or ftp protocols With Netscape over http, you can only download Change file type from .exe to .snp then, double-click file name to open with Snapshot viewer With Netscape over ftp, Enter snapshot URL in Location box Choose Open it from dialog to open automatically

File Download or Remote Open dialog

Download Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Files with IE 5 Point IE 5 browser at Word, Excel, or PowerPoint File and open it in the browser Save the .doc, .xls, or .ppt file with the File > Save As command This technique does not work for Access files with IE 5; download them with the method illustrated on the preceding slide

Dialog for automatically opening Snapshot in Netscape over ftp protocol

A Shortcut Menu Enables Sizing and Printing Reports

View Snapshot Over Web with ActiveX Control on a Web Page Works with IE browsers Does not work with Netscape browser because it fails to support ActiveX controls See sample page for HTML with ActiveX control View page View HTML

Summary Snapshot files are easy to create and have broad applicability They display Access reports with high fidelity, but without the need for Access on a workstation See snapshot samples for demos of technology and downloads of key files, including this tutorial presentation Return to ProgrammingMSAccess.Com Home