Crystal Xcelsius 4 Fundamentals Learner's Guide BU270 Revision A, April 2006Copyright Patents Business Objects owns the following U.S. patents, which may cover products that are offered and sold by Business Objects: 5,555,403, 6,247,008 B1, 6,578,027 B2, 6,490,593 and 6,289,352, ‘Trademarks Business Objects, the Business Objects logo, and Crystal Xcelsius are trademarks or registered trademarks of Business Objects SA or its affliated companies in the United States and other countries. All other names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners, Product specifications and program conditions are subject to change without notice. Copyright Copyright © 2006 Business Objects SA. All rights reserved.CONTENTS About this Course Course objectives xiv Course audience xiv Prerequisite education xiv Prerequisite knowledge/experience xiv Course success factors . ~ Course materials xv Learning process . fees fe eeee teens XW) Recommended education fee Sete x Applicable certitication . ne veer Mt Computer Setup Introduction . wx Computer Setup xxl Hardware . x Sottware . me en xxi Testing the hardware and software setup : fee vai Setting up for the activities, oxi Lesson 1 Getting to Know Crystal Xcelsius Basics of Crystal Xcelsius : 242 Spreadsheet vs. Crystal Xcelsius model 12 What is Crystal Xcelsius? 13 The business benefits of Crystal Xcelsius ce 14 Activity: The business benefits of Crystal Xcelsius... 14 Process of creating a Crystal Xcelsius model AS Process flow 15 Crystal Xcelsius interface... 16 ‘The Crystal Xcelsius interface . 16 Using the toolbar . wt7 Using the Components window 218 Using the Object Browser window . 19 Using the Properties window . 1-10 Crystal Xcelsius canvas 142 Introduction 1412 Using the canvas 1412 Activity: Cropping the canvas 1413 Activity: Defining the canvas size 1-14 Copyright © 2006 Business Objects. All rights reserved. iiCrystal Xcelsius help 1-15 Introduction . 1-15 Finding help 1-15 Activity: Finding help en 1-16 Lesson summary bette vec tet Quiz: Getting to Know Crystal Xcelsius fe cece bet Lesson 2 Importing Excel Files Getting started... cee . coo 22 Preparing to build a model 22 Setting up your Excel files 22 The role of Excel in Crystal Xcelsius 23 Importing data sources 24 importing an Excel ile as a data source 24 Activity: Importing an Excel file... 25 Updating data sources . feces en . 27 Re-imporiing an Excel ile 27 Activity: Re-importing an Excel file 28 Lesson summary . : 240 Quiz: Importing Excel Files 240 Lesson 3 Using, Charts Chants... Chart types... Connecting a chart to a data range Dynamic data source . Using data ranges Activity: Creating a chart with a data range Connecting a chart to a series . . Using series Defining category axis labels Activity: Creating a chart with series 2342 342 wee B12 2844 Managing missing data 347 Ignoring end blanks 3:17 Activity: Creating a chart with ignore end blanks . 3419 Lesson summary feceeeetee 3-22 Quiz: Using Charts . 3-22 Lesson 4 Using Single Value Components Single value components . 42 Performing what-if analysis. 42 Using single value components 43 ‘Single value component types . 43 Working with percentages 244 Activity: Creating an interactive model we 46 Play options . : 24-10 Using play options. -4-10 Fundamentals—Leamer's GuideActivity: Creating an interactive model with Play options ceeeee AT Lesson summary : vais ‘uz: Using Single Value Components «2. ats Lesson 5 Using Selectors Selecting data . bese 52 Using insert in tunclonalty ©... DUNE 83 inser in options 52 Selector types, ba ‘Activity: Creating a model with a list box selector cece BT Actviy: Creating a model wih a radio button selector 50 Selecting multiple tems. . UE Sh Settng up for multpio iems WEIN aa Acti: Creating med th aser 00. sas Graphic selectors eanennnnen Lui ste Importing graphics io selectors : Lisae Ait: Creating mate wth graph sist LS so Lesson summa escrssistectns ene 528 ‘Quiz: Using Seleciors 528 “ Lesson 6 Applying Formatting The Appearance tab 62 Changing the appearance of components os. wee Activity: Changing the appearance ofa components. sess. sss 88 Fonts nnn 69 Changing fonts “63 Activity: Changing the fon fora model en Global styles 613 Using global sys. 613 Act: oping al ve oa ma e14 skins 616 Using skins 6.16 Actnty: Applying skin to a model 617 Lesson summary ° ‘eto Quiz: Applying Formatting 6-19 Lesson 7 Publishing Models Formats for publishing 12 Export preview Ps Publishing models re Activity: Taking a snapshot from preview mode SEIN Activity: Exporting to Flash or HTML me rs Activity: Publishing to PowerPoint, Outlook, or Adobe PDF . . 76 Lesson summary en : LE 3 ‘uz: Publishing Models 79 Table of Contents—Leamer’s Guide vLesson 8 Setting up Alerts Alerts functionality 82 Alerts cesses 82 \Value-based vs. percentage-based alerts . cee :8:3 Setting up alerts . : woe 84 Activity: Creating a model with a value-based alert : coe 85 Activity: Creating a model with a percentage-based alert : a7 Lesson summary . . 281 Quiz: Setting up Alerts : Bt Lesson 9 Setting up Dynamic Visibility Setting up dynamic visibility 92 Using dynamic visibility 92 Defining display status 9-2 Dynamic visibility options 4 Activity: Creating a model with dynamic visibilty using insert in functionality 9-5 Formulas for dynamic visibility 98 Using formulas 98 Activity: Creating a model with dynamic vi tity using a formula 9-10 Lesson summary : : 12 Quiz: Setting up Dynamic Visibility . wee GAZ Lesson 10 Adding Graphics & Animations The image component . 2210-2 Shapes and backgrounds... ne : 10-2 Using the image component. 10-2 Embedding files & capturing mouse events 10.3 Activity: Adding graphics and backgrounds 10-4 Activity: Creating an interactive map with graphics : 10-7 Multi-layer reports 10-13 Creating multilayer reports 10-13 Aativty: Creating a multi-layer model 210-46 Lesson summary 21024 Quiz: Adding Graphics & Animations - 10-21 Lesson 11 Using Templates Pre-defined templates coos : 112 Using templates : 14-2 Activity: Creating a model from a template | 143) User-defined templates 11-6 Creating templates 116 Activity: Creating a template trom a model 17 Lesson summary 118 Quiz: Using Templates 11-8 Fundamentals—Learner’s GuideLesson 12 Setting up Drill-Down Functionality Drilling down in charts 122 Setting up drill down charts 2122 Activity: Creating a model with a drill down chart 7 eared Lesson summary 12-7 Quiz: Setting up Drill Down Functionality : 12-7 Lesson 13 Using Tables Using tables o.oo eee cece eeeeeeeeeeees 13:2 Using a table for display : weno 13.2 Using a table as a selector cee : 133 Troubleshooting with tables . fees 13-4 Activity: Creating a model with table output 135 Aotivity: Creating a model with a table selector 13.8 Lesson summary 13-11 ‘Quiz: Using Tables 1311 _ Lesson 14 Using Maps The maps library 14.2 Creating interactive maps . : 14.2 Activity: Creating an interactive map vee 14-4 Lesson summary ...... : 148 Quiz: Using Maps... 148 Lesson 15 Using Other Components Other components ...... 152 Other component types 152 Activity: Creating a model with an interactive calendar 115-4 Activity: Creating a model with a local scenario button 2157 ‘Text components . . ‘Text component types 15-8 158 Activity: Adding text to a model 2 15-9 Web connectivity components ...... 15-12 Web connectivity component types 15-12 Activity: Adding a URL to a model : : 15:13 Lesson summary ...... : 15:15 Quiz: Using Other Components 15-15 Lesson 16 Creating an Advanced Model ‘Advanced models . oo 162 Assessing the scenario 2 16-2 Activity: Assessing the requirements : 162 ‘Activity: Creating an advanced model oo 16-4 Table of Contents—Leamer’s Guide viLesson summary . ceeeeee fete eeeee ee 167 Appendix A Using Excel Formulas Excel Functions . fees . wees AQ Setting up Excel functions A2 Appendix B Answer Key Lesson 1: Getting to Know Crystal Xcelsius . B2 Activity: The business benefits of Crystal Xcelsius B2 Quiz: Getting to Know Crystal Xcelsius B2 Lesson 2: Importing Excel Files . BS Quiz: Importing Excel Files BS Lesson 3: Using Charts .. B4 ‘Quiz: Using Charts . B4 Lesson 4: Using Single Value Components BS Quiz: Using Single Value Components UBS Lesson 5: Using Selectors . BS Quiz: Using Selectors. BS Lesson 6: Applying Formatting Quiz: Applying Formatting Lesson 7: Publishing Models Quiz: Publishing Models Lesson 8: Setting up Alerts Quiz: Setting up Alerts Lesson 9: Setting up Dynamic Visibility --BAO Quiz: Setting up Dynamic Visibility .. B40 Lesson 10: Adding Graphics & Animations Bat ‘Quiz: Adding Graphics & Animations Bat Lesson 11: Using Templates B12 Quiz: Using Templates B12 Lesson 12: Setting up Drill: Down Functionality”. ceeeeee -B-413 Quiz: Setting up Drill-Down Funetonalty ceeeee oe B43 Lesson 13: Using Tables .... : cece Baa Quiz: Using Tables B44 Lesson 14: Using Maps B45 Quiz: Using Maps BAS Lesson 15: Using Other Components ce : -BAG Quiz: Using Other Components B46 Lesson 16: Creating an Advanced Model -.BAT Activity: Assessing the requirements -BAT Fundamentals—Learner's GuideAGENODQ€A Fundamentals Introductions, Course Overview. .... - 30 minutes Lesson Getting to Know Crystal Xcelsius. ..... D Basics of Crystal Xcelsius Process of creating a Crystal Xcelsius model 1 crystal Xcelsius interface Gi crystal Xcelsius canvas Oi Crystal Xcelsius help D Lesson summary - 60 minutes Lesson 2 Importing Excel Files. Getting started Di importing data sources 1 Updating data sources Lesson summary +30 minutes Lesson 3 Using Charts . O Chars Connecting a chart to a data range Connecting a chart to a series 1 Managing missing data D Lesson summary Lesson 4 Using Single Value Components Single value components Play options Lesson summary Lesson 5 Using Selectors... O Selecting data +++, 60 minutes Copyright © 2006 Business Objects. All rights reserved. xGi Selecting multiple items OC Graphic selectors CB Lesson summary Lesson 6 Applying Formatting. . OI The Appearance tab O Fonts 1 Giobal styles skins D Lesson summary -- 30 minutes Lesson 7 Publishing Models ........... Gi Formats for publishing Lesson summary +. 30 minutes Lesson 8 Setting up Alerts ...... OD Alerts functionality Lesson summary 45 minutes Lesson 9 Setting up Dynamic Visibility ....... O Setting up dynamic visibility 1 Formulas for dynamic visibility OI Lesson summary 60 minutes Lesson 10 Adding Graphics & Animations... .. 1 The image component OC Multi-layer reports Lesson summary Lesson 11 Using Templates ........ Gi Pre-defined templates Gi User-defined templates D Lesson summary + +++ 30 minutes Lesson 12 Setting up Drill-Down Functionality . 1 Driting down in charts Lesson summary ++ +++ 30 minutes Lesson 13 Using Tables...... seeeese++ 45 minutes: Fundamentals—Learner’s GuideDi Using tables Lesson summary Lesson 14 Using Maps The maps library Lesson summary Lesson 15 Using Other Components. other components Text components 1 Web connectivity components Lesson summary Lesson 16 Creating an Advanced Model ... C1 Advanced models Lesson summary ‘Agenda—Leamer's Guide -30 minutes - +45 minutes --45 minutesxi Fundamentals—Leamer's GuideAbout this Course ‘This section explains the conventions used in the course and in this training guide. Copyright © 2006 Business Objects. All rights reserved xiCourse objectives Crystal Xcelsius 4 Fundamentals isa classroom-based course where participants learn to create interactive models of complex data that can be used for presentations and reports. By the end of the course, learners will understand how to use the Crystal Xcelsius suite of tools, determine which components best represent different types of information, set up the felationships between these components, and link the completed models to live data sources. The course includes presentation of concepts, demonstration of features, facilitated discussions, practice activities, and reviews, ‘After completing this course, you will be able to: + Describe the features of Crystal Xcelsius and define the benefits it can deliver + Identify the tools and components available in Crystal Xcelsius + Develop visual models of complex data using charts, single value components, selectors, and other components ‘+ Add custom formatting, graphics, and animations + Publish models in multiple formats + Set up drill down functionality, alerts, and dynamic visibility to create complex models + Analyze business requirements and use Crystal Xcelsius to create models to meet those requirements * Connect models to live data using XML, Excel 2003 XML maps, custom ‘middle tiers, Flash Variables, and Web Services Course audience The target audience for this course is the general business user who wants to create more dynamic and interactive presentations and reports and the technical user who will connect existing models to live data sources. Prerequisite education + Not appcabl otis offering Prerequisite knowledge/experience While not required for this course, experience with these products or technologies will be helpful + Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel * Working knowledge of databases, XML, Flash, and Excel 2003 XML maps xiv Fundamentals—Leamer's GuideCourse success factors Your leaming experience will be enhanced by: + Activities that build on the life experiences of the learner + Discussion that connects the training to real working environments, + Leamers and instructor working as a team + Active participation by all learners Course materials ‘The materials included with the course materials are: + Name card + Leamer’s Guide The Leamer's Guide contains an agenda, learner materials, and practice activities. The Leamer’s Guide is designed to assist students who attend the classroom-based course and outlines what leamers can expect to achieve by participating in this course. + Evaluation form Al the conclusion of this course, provide feedback on the course content, instructor, and facility through the evaluation process. Your comments will assist us to improve future courses, ‘Additional information for the course is provided on the resource CD or as a hard copy: + Sample files ‘The sample files on the resource CD can include required files for the ‘course activities and/or supplemental content to the training guide. ‘Additional resources include: * Online Help and User's Guide Retrieve information and find answers to questions using the Online Help and/or User's Guide that are included with the product, ‘About this Course—Leamer's Guide wvLearning process © Learning is an interactive process between the learners and the instructor. By {facilitating a cooperative environment, the instructor guides the learners through the learning framework. Introduction Why am I here? What's in it for me? ‘The leamers will be clear about what they are getting out of each lesson. Objectives How do | achieve the outcome? The learners will assimilate new concepts and how to apply the ideas presented in the lesson. This step sets the groundwork for practice Practice How do | do it? ‘The learners will demonstrate their knowledge as well as their hands-on skills through the activities. Review How did I do? The learners will have an opportunity to review what they have leamed during the lesson. Review reinforces why itis important to learn particular concepts or skils Summary Where have | been and where am | going? ‘The summary acts as a recap of the learning objectives and as.a transition to the next section, Fundamentals—Leamer's GuideRecommended education + Not applicable for this offering Applicable certification ‘+ Not applicable for this offering About this Course—Leamer's Guidewil Fundamentals—Leamner's GuideComputer Setup This section lists the hardware and software setup requirements for trying the activities on your own. Copyright © 2006 Business Objects. All rights reserved. xixIntroduction The purpose ofthis setup guide is to provide the information necessary to set Up your computer and ensure the necessary course files are installed if you want to recreate the leaming environment. ~ Fundamentals—Learner's GuideComputer Setup Hardware The minimum hardware requirements are: + PC with Pentium 3 or equivalent processor + 128MB of RAM + CD-ROM Software The software required for this course is: + Windows 2000 or Windows XP * Office 2000, Office XP, oF Office 2008 + Crystal Xcelsius 4 + Macromedia Flash Player Install software according to the instructions in this document. Prior to installation, refer to the Platforms. txt document for the latest supported ‘systems. Platforms.txt can be found on the installation CD. You can also find the most recent version ofthis document on the Business Objects support web site: hitp://support businessobjects.com. To install required software 1 Install one ofthe following operating systems: + Windows 2000 or Windows XP 2 _ Install Microsoft Otfice 2000, Office XP, or Oifice 2003 (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) 3. Follow the installation procedures listed in the installation guide for: + Crystal Xcelsius 4 + Macromedia Flash Player Computer Sotup—Learner's Guide wi>a Testing the hardware and software setup ‘To ensure the hardware and software are set up properly, perform these steps fon your machine, To test Crystal Xcelsius 4 installation 1 2 3 4 Open Crystal Xcelsius. Import an Excel file into the new document, ‘Add a component to the canvas and link it to data from the Excel file. Export the model to Macromedia Flash To test Macromedia Flash Player installation 1 2 Open the model you created to test Crystal Xcelsius, Test the dynamic components of the model, Fundamentals—Leamer's GuideSetting up for the activities Download the Source Files.zip file o the desktop of each computer and unzip the folder. The Source Spreadsheet xis and various graphics files are required to complete the activities in the course. ‘Computer Setup—Leamer's Guide aixiv Fundamentals—Learner's GuideLesson 1 Getting to Know Crystal Xcelsius Before beginning to create visual models using Crystal Xcelsius, you should have a good understanding of what the application enables you to do. You should also get to know the interface and tools available in Crystal Xcelsius. What you learn in this lesson will be the foundation forall of the workshops you complete throughout the course. In this lesson, you will learn about: + Basics of Crystal Xcelsius + Process of creating a Crystal Xcelsius model . + Crystal Xcelsius interface + Crystal Xcelsius canvas + Crystal Xcelsius help Duration: 60 minutes Copyright © 2006 Business Objects. All rights reserved, "1Basics of Crystal Xcelsius 9 Introduction Crystal Xcelsius is an exciting product that allows you to create visual models based on complex tabular data, After completing this unit, you willbe able to: + Define what Crystal Xcelsius is and who uses it + Identity the benefits of using Crystal Xcelsius Spreadsheet vs. Crystal Xcelsius model Business data is often so complex that spreadsheets are needed to organize itin a meaningful way. However, spreadsheets aren't particularly useful when itcomes to explaining this data to an audience that doesn't use Microsoft Excel (oF work with formulas, For example, the following spreadsheet displays the annual sales numbers for ‘multiple branches. This is a lot of data to comprehend at a glance, and the format does not do a very good job of highlighting the fluctuations from year to year. ALD Bo Gy 0 Te Lor GH [Sales by Branch FY98 —-FY99.—«FYO0_-—~FYO1__—_-FY02__-FYO3__FYOS BeeEee eae 12 JAtherton $194 $ 67 $ 126 $ 184 $ 54 § 1839 § 156 Berkeley $ 65 $ 200 $ 57 $ 93 $ 128 $ 2435 57 [Carmel $ 135 $ 164 § 185 § 65 $ 231 § 228 $ 236 [Cupertino $ 55 $ 149 $ 138 $ 178 § 226 § 83 $ 100 [Fremont $ 176 $ 153 § 235 § 62 $ 242 $ 120 § 242 inne $157 $ 136 $ 118° $ 59 $ 28 $ 2008 73 Milpitas $128 $ 208 $ 125 $ 104 $ 80 § 140 § 96 SanFrancisco $ 129 § 168 $ 206 $ 105°§ 141 § 243 $ 174 [San Jose $135 $ 188 $ 147 $ 240 § 155 § 50 $ 101 Crystal Xcelsius enables you to create engaging models simply and quickly based on your Excel spreadsheets. A model is simply a visual representation of tabular data, created using components such as charts, gauges, and radio buttons that can be used for presentations, reports, and simple dashboards. ‘More importantly, you can define relationships between these components to allow users to interact with these models to change the data displayed and perform what-if analysis on the fy Fundamentals—Leamer's GuideThisis an example of a simple model based on the same data displayed in the spreadsheet, this time in a visual format. A list box has been included to allow Users to select which branch to view, and the data itself is displayed in a line chart to show the changes in the numbers over time, Branch | Atherton {Atherton Sales by Branch ‘So, which do you think represents the data better? The static Excel ‘spreadsheet? Or the dynamic, interactive model created with Crystal Xcelsius? ® What is Crystal Xcelsius? Crystal Xcelsius is an intuitive application that uses a Windows interface to allow you to build interactive models of data and formulas from Excel spreadsheets. These models can then be exported in muttiple formats to meet your specific business needs and be used by other individuals in your ‘organization. Crystal Xcelsius is intended to be used by business users to create Presentations, reports, and more complex models. The only knowledge you heed to use its a basic understanding of how to navigate in a Windows environment, and enough familiarity with Excel to set up your source files appropriately. Your audience needs only basic computing skills to work with your completed models. Note: In order to view your models, you need to install the free Flash Player that can be downloaded from the Macromedia web site at http:/ivww.macromedia.com/. You do not need a Crystal Xcelsius license to view or interact with a completed model, unless you are Using the Crystal Xcelsius Workgroup product. Getting to Know Crystal Xcelsius—Leamer's Guide 13Crystal Xcelsius Products Crystal Xcelsius offers the following product lines: + Crystal Xcelsius Standard — This edition includes a large selection of ‘components to create interactive presentations and reports based on Excel spreadsheets. + Crystal Xcelsius Professional — This edition includes all of the functionality of the Standard edition, plus drill-down charts, interactive calendars, the ability to export to Acrobat PDF, and other advanced features. + Crystal Xcelsius Workgroup — This edition includes all of the functionality of the Professional edition, plus the ability to connect to web services and XML-compliant databases, Additional components are also available, The business benefits of Crystal Xcelsius Using Crystal Xcelsius will allow you to: + Perform what-if analysis on the fly by changing variables that affect the calculated values represented in charts and other visual indicators. + Use data trom Excel spreadsheets to create dashboards and scorecards with alerts that indicate potential issues and opportunities for your organization. + Identify problems in your source data or your underlying business ‘assumptions that are dificult to see in tabular data. To see an example of what Crystal Xcelsius can help you to accomplish, take a look at the BusinessBenefits.swf file trom the Resource CD. This model presents total projected sales as a function of sales from a previous year muttiplied by the projected growth rate for each product line in an attractive, easy-to-use format, Alerts have also been set up with a red zone. below $2750, and a target of $4000. Use the model to answer the following questions, Activity: The business benefits of Crystal Xcelsius ‘1 What is the projected sales if you change the growth rate for Dell ‘computers to 50%? 2 Ifthe growth rate for the same line drops to 10%, what happens? 3 How high does the growth rate for all products need to be to achieve the target sales to put your organization in the green? Fundamentals—Learner's GuideProcess of creating a Crystal Xcelsius model © introduction The process of creating a visual model in Crystal Xcelsius is simple and easy to follow. ‘After completing this unit, you will be able to: + Define the overall process for creating interactive models ® Process flow Creating a Crystal Xcelsius model involves three simple steps: ‘+ Step 1. Import the data source — With a few mouse licks, you can import a snapshot of any Excel file into Crystal Xcelsius. This snapshot includes all of the data, formulas, and formatting from the original Excel file. All of the components in your model then link to the values and formulas from the Excel file. For Crystal Xcelsius Workgroup, you can also connect to SOAP-based web services and XML-compliant databases to display up- to-the-minute live data in your models. + Step 2. Build the model - Use click-and-drag functionality to build your ‘model by linking the data and formulas from the Excel snapshot to a long list of attractive components, including charts, gauges, tables, and maps, Then use the simple interface to define the behavior and appearance of those components. + Step 3. Publish the mode! ~ With a single click in Crystal Xcelsius, you ‘can output the model as an interactive Macromedia Flash file inside of a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation, an Outlook email message, or an ‘Adobe PDF. You can also export directly to Macromedia Flash or HTML. Crystal ae Xcelsius Crystal Xcelsius model XML-compliant databases Getting to Know Crystal Xcelsius—Learner's Guide 15Crystal Xcelsius interface @® introduction Getting to know the Crystal Xcelsius interface is the first step to creating an interactive model Alter completing this unit you will be able to: + Identity the different components of the Crystal Xcelsius interface + Define the purpose of the buttons available in the Crystal Xcelsius toolbar + Define the purpose of the Components, Object Browser, and Properties windows ® the Crystal Xcelsius interface The interface for Crystal Xcelsius comprises the following parts Components window Toolbar Properties window Object Browser window Canvas Each part provides unique functionality and is discussed in detail in the {following sections, 16 Fundamentals—Leamer's Guide8 Using the toolbar ‘The toolbar contains all of the features that you will use most frequently when building models in Crystal Xcelsius: Button Name Definition QI New Create a new model. > en en an existing model | Ope Op 9 ~ | Save ‘Save changes to the current model cut Cult the selected components from the canvas. Copy Copy the selected components to the clipboard Paste Paste any components on the cli- board to the canvas, ae Selection Tool Click and drag components from the Ba Components window to the canvas, ‘This button is automatically activated ino component has been pre- selected in the Components window. Note: Only one of the Selection Tool and the Component Too! buttons can be active ata time. ‘Component Toot | Add a pre-selected component to the canvas by clicking on the canvas. This button is automatically activated fa component is highlighted with a blue background in the Components window. Note: Only one of the Selection Tool and the Component Too! buttons can be active ata time. ia Decrease canvas | Decrease the size of the canvas by ‘small increments. Increase canvas | Increase the size of the canvas by tmalnerement = Fitcanvaso | Ree the canvas to alg with he compenents | edges ofthe components ont "aj Fitcanvas to | neease the window to fullsize isl window Group components | Unk corponentsogeher so they 8] canes be moved ncvcualy, Getting to Know Crystal Xcelsius—Leamer’s Guide 17Name Definition dia Flash (SWF) preview mode ‘Ungroup Unlink grouped components so they components can be moved individually. ‘Show / Hide Quick | Open a secondary window to access Start Wizard tutorials, templates, samples, and other aids. Help Get help in using Crystal Xcelsius. Import model Import an Excel fie to act as the ‘source data for the model. Enable Macrome- | Preview the model to test the interac- tive behavior. ‘Send to Powerpoint Publish to SWF format and embed the file in a new slide presentation ‘Send to Outlook Publish to SWF format and add the file as an attachment to a new email message. Send to Adobe a POF Publish to SWF format and embed the fle in a new PDF document. ‘Note: This option is not available in the Standard edition Using the Components window ‘The Components window contains all of the components that you can use to build your interactive presentations and reports. Components are graphic objects, such as charts, gauges, or radio buttons, that can be added to the Fundamentals—Learner's Guidecanvas, then linked to data and/or formulas from the Excel fle. Components are the building blocks of your visual models, I Chats X Line Chat Pie Chat Cokune Chast ‘al, Stocked Column Chat Bar Chat Stacked Bar Chat fi Combination Chat E Line Chart Available components are sorted by category or listed alphabetically, When you select a component, a thumbnail image appears at the bottom of the window. ‘To add a component fo the canvas from the Components window, click the ‘component to select it and click the canvas, or click and drag the component 10 the desired location. © Using the Object Browser window After you have added components to the canvas from the Components window, the components are listed in the Object Browser window. Cis [Check totide Component S| TOE Line Chat ‘You can use this window to select components so you can cut, copy, paste, delete, bring forward, move back, group, ungroup, and rename them by right- clicking to access the secondary menu. Getting to Know Crystal Xcelsius—Leamer’s Guide 19You can also select the checkbox to hide the component so you can more easily work with other components. This is particularly important when you are ‘working with a large number of components, or when you have set up mutiple components to share the same physical space. Using the Properties window ‘After a component is added to the canvas, the component must be configured using the Properties window. ine Chart 1 Prop {51 3i| Genetat | Da Down| Behavior] ‘Alete'| Appearance | (uae ree ces Chat ie : [ine Chat "| Chat bie! [Banee Sub Tae Category Oa ie © S Velue (eile Sth aie 3 UB foe te cn You can access the Properties window by double-clicking the component or right-clicking and selecting Properties from the secondary menu. You can ‘change the Properties window to display the details for another component by licking the component while the Properties window is stil open, In the activities that follow, this is known as changing the context of the Properties window. Fundamentals—Learner's GuideDepending on which type of component you are working with, there are up to five tabs on the Properties window, each of which allows you to set up unique functionality for the components on your canvas: + General ~ Use the General tab to link the component to the data in the source Excel file + Drill Down - Use the Drill Down tab to enable the ability to drill into a ‘component to get more data, This functionality is available for charts only, ‘+ Behavior~ Use the Behavior tab to set limits on numeric values and enable dynamic visibility, + Alerts — Use the Alerts tab to set up color-coding to provide performance indicators. This functionality is not available for all components, + Appearance — Use the Appearance tab to apply formatting to individual ‘components. ‘To close the Properties window, click the Close button in the upper right comer of the window or click the canvas. Getting to Know Crystal Xcelsius—Leamer’s Guide cor)Crystal Xcelsius canvas © introduction ‘The working area in Crystal Xcelsius is known as the canvas. ‘ter completing this unit, you will be able to: + Make changes to the canvas 8 Using the canvas ‘The canvas is the blank area in the main window of Crystal Xcelsius, Components are added to the canvas to activate them and make them part of your model When you open Crystal Xcelsius, the new document has a blank canvas that is set to the default size. This is the working area of the model After you have added all of your components, itis a best practice to resize the canvas relative to the components on it. You have several options for resizing the canvas. You can also change the actual size of the canvas through the File menu, 412 Fundamentals—Leamer's Guide® Practice Activity: Cropping the canvas When a model is exported, the finished size of the animation is based on the Size of the canvas, Therefore, you should always adjust the canvas relative to the components on it as a best practice. Objectives + Adjust the sizeof the canvas for a model Instructions 1 Open Crystal Xcelsius. 2 Select the Line Chart component in the Components window and click anywhere on the canvas, 3. From the toolbar, click Fit canvas to components to automatically resize the canvas to fit the outer dimensions of the components in the model. 4 From the toolbar, click Increase canvas to increase the overall size of the canvas by regular increments, 5 From the toolbar, click Decrease canvas to reduce the overall size of the canvas by regular increments, Getting to Know Crystal Xcelsius—Learner’s Guide 1136 From the toolbar, click Fit canvas to window to return the canvas to its original size. 7 Close Crystal Xcelsius. You do not need to save the file Activity: Defining the canvas size ‘When you create a new Crystal Xcelsius file, the canvas is automatically sized to fitthe window, and you can make later adjustments to change that size. relative to the components you include in the model However, you may wish to impose specific dimensions on your completed. model based on how you intend to use it. Objectives + Define the dimensions of the canvas Instructions 1 Open Crystal Xcelsius. 2 From the menu bar, click File > Properties to open the Document Properties window. 3. To select a preset size for the canvas, based on common usage ‘soenatios, select any option from the Preset Size list. 4 Click OK. ‘The canvas size is adjusted to a preset size. 5 To enter the width and height of the canvas manually, from the menu bar, click File > Properties to open the Document Properties window again, Enter any new dimensions into the Width and Height fields. 7 Click OK ‘The canvas size has been adjusted based on the dimensions you defined, 8 Close Crystal Xcelsius. You do not need to save the file. Fundamentals—Leamer’s Guide116 ® Practice Activity: Finding help Crystal Xcelsius provides a simple, easy-to-use interface for creating interactive visual models. For most functionality, the intuitive interface is all you need to get started. However, while you are creating your models, you may need to access addtional information to help you add more sophisticated functionality. Crystal Xcelsius has several ways of accessing help, including the Quick Start Wizard, the Help menu, and help movies for specific features, Objectives + Access the Quick Start Wizard + Access the Help menu and search for content * Open help movies for specific features Instructions 1 Open Crystal Xcelsius. 2 From the toolbar, click Show/Hide Quick Start Wizard. ‘The Getting Started window opens on the right side of the screen. In this ‘window, you will find movies and tutorials that explain how to perform certain tasks in Crystal Xcelsius. Intoduction to Cyst! Keelene™ Movie + QuickStart Guides: QuckStat 1 Chesng "What Pisedaton | RSET. casoaniee en | & Foam tong cote 2 © Protontation Layout Templates J oman ureronpe Fundamentals—Leamer's Guide3 Click the Introduction to Crystal Xcelsius Movie link. The Introduction to Crystal Xcelsius Movie is a quick overview that you should watch to familiarize yourself with the process. The movie opens in a second window and walks you through the process of creating a model. CTT 4° Click Close, Getting to Know Crystal Xcelsius—Leamer's Guide 175-Click the one of the links for the QuickStart tutorials, which are step-by- step lesson you can take to get more detailed information on performing specific tasks. When you have selected a tutorial, you can click the individual links to walk through the process. This Quik stat Walia te ain ic to ces steve half feearaen tht aos ne fevrue npac of changes gow er wo cd ines 3s compue coor Your tna soc wil look ts: Vow ance 1 Step: Ingato Esc Mad Step 2 Connect Data the Baht ‘Step 3 Givethe Bar Chat wht Capabties Sep 4 Bulla Mable ht ba Cat ‘Stop Adda Gauge Step Add a leChat ‘Step 7: Feith erating ‘Step 1 lapod the Excel Model 1.1 chk he EBiston onthe Cota ct apr ‘oot open te Excel pat Mode dog bow 6 After you have completed the tutorials, close the Getting Started window by using the button in the top right corner of the window. 118 Fundamentals—Leamer’s Guide7 To access the Help menu, from the toolbar, click Help, ‘The Help window opens in a browsable format. Reference section ‘Te eferoce sac ese lepturcons of yes 8 Click the + button before the User Guide tree item. . 9 To search for the information directly, click the Search tab. 10 Enter any search term, such as line chart, into the Type in the word(s) to search for field 11 Click List Topics All related topics display in the Selector topic window. Note: Keep in mind that'f you are entering more than one word to search for, the list will include topics that meet any of the search terms, 12. Click any of the help topics returned by your search. 13 Click Display, ‘The help topic displays in the window to the right of the screen, 14 Atter you have reviewed the topic and you know how to proceed, close the window by using the button in the top right corner. 15 Open the Selectors folder in the Components window. Besides the Quick Start Wizard and the Help system, you can also access help related to specific components. For some of the characteristics that you define for a component, Crystal Xcelsius includes short movies that explain how to set up the feature in the Properties, window Note: Help movies are not available for all components, 16 Solect any of the available components in the Selectors folder and add it to the canvas. Getting to Know Crystal Xcelsius—Learner's Guide 11917 Double-click the selector to open the Properties window. 18 Click Information () beside the Insert Option field. ‘The help movie launches in a window. |reskon The selected item's position is entered into | the target cell. oom | 19, Once you have watched the movie, close the Help window, 20 Close Crystal Xcelsius. You do not need to save the file. 1-20 Fundamentals—Loarner’s GuideLesson summary e Review Quiz: Getting to Know Crystal Xcelsius 1 True or false? You need programming experience in order to use Crystal Xcelsius. 2 What three steps are required in order to create an interactive model in Crystal Xcelsius? 3 Name at least three benefits of using Crystal Xcelsius, 4 Which window do you use to select and hide components on the canvas? 5. Which tab in the Properties window would you use to set up color coding to provide performance indicators? Raects. Summary After completing this lesson, you are now able to: + Define what Crystal Xcelsius is and who uses it + Identify the benefits of using Crystal Xcelsius + Define the overall process for creating interactive models ‘+ Identity the different components of the Crystal Xcelsius interface ‘+ Define the purpose of the buttons available in the Crystal Xcelsius toolbar *+ Define the purpose of the Components, Object Browser, and Properties windows, + Make changes to the canvas + Find help in Crystal Xcelsius Getting to Know Crystal Xcolsius—Leamer’s Guide 4214-22 Fundamentals—Learner's Guide