I have had several customers over the years who wanted to add a fixed line to a bar/line chart. This is typically some type of target or standard that they want to compare the actual data. If this value is in the report’s query results, then it is pretty straightforward. But what if the user wants to be prompted to enter the value to be used in the chart? Crystal won’t let you add the parameter directly to the chart. Even if you put the parameter value in a formula, Crystal might not allow that formula in the chart.

The reason is that parameters come before the data is read. This means that they are evaluated “BeforeReadingRecords” by default. Values that come before the data is being read are not eligible for grouping, sorting, totaling or charting. But if you put the parameter in a formula you can change the evaluation time of the formula to “WhileReadingRecords”. This will make it into a column of values. And even though they are all the same, they will be available in the chart expert as a value to be summarized. Something like this:

WhileReadingRecords;
{?YourParameter}

Then in your chart you can either summarize it by using a Maximum, or checking the “Do Not Summarize” check mark.

If you need to do this and have trouble then call me to schedule a short consult, or Email me your report and explain your requirement.