Output columns determine which fields appear in the results of a report. Use output columns to control what information is displayed when the report runs.
After selecting an entity and defining filter conditions, output columns define what each row shows.
When to adjust output columns
- when required fields are missing
- when the report contains unnecessary information
- when additional context is needed for analysis or export
Before editing output columns
- Confirm the report uses the correct entity.
- Understand which related fields are available.
- Decide what information is required to answer the reporting question.
Tip: If a field is unavailable, it is usually due to the selected entity.
Add or change output columns
- Open the report
Navigate to Reports and open the report. - Locate output columns
Find the section where output fields are configured. - Add a column
Select a field and add it to the report output. - Remove unnecessary columns
Remove fields that do not support your reporting objective. - Reorder columns
Arrange columns so key identifiers appear first. - Run the report
Confirm the output shows the correct information. - Validate the output
Check:- Fields align with the reporting question
- No redundant or duplicate data
- Values make sense based on the entity
- Save the report
Save once the output is correct.
Examples of useful output columns
- event name
- course title
- delegate name
- invoice amount
- event start date
- account name
Understanding output and relationships
Output columns may come from related records. This means:
- One row may include data from multiple related entities
- Some fields may repeat across rows depending on relationships
- Unexpected duplication often reflects real data structure, not errors
If results look incorrect, review the entity and relationships rather than only adjusting columns.
Tips for designing report output
- Include only fields needed to answer the question
- Keep reports concise and readable
- Place identifying fields (names, IDs) first
- Add context fields (dates, categories) after identifiers
Common issues
Missing fields
The field may not be available from the selected entity.
Too many columns
Reports become difficult to interpret when too many fields are included.
Unexpected duplicate values
Repeated values often reflect one-to-many relationships (for example, one Event with multiple Delegates).
Confusing or unclear output
Reorder columns so key identifiers and context fields are easier to read.
Next steps
- Group results: Group results (Sections)
- Sort results: Sort results (Ordering)
- Export data: Export report results