# Creating Multi-Column Data Regions

In this article, we will learn how to create multi-column regions in a report model so that you can read data from multiple columns.

1. To create multi-column data regions in your Report Model, go to *Files > New > Report Model.*

![](/files/Vm5EqMy0opejy471pyJJ)

2. Now, specify the *File Path* of your report for which you want to build the report model. Download the sample PDF file from [here](https://www.astera.com/Downloads/Misc/2020/07/11-Multi-Column-Data-Region.zip).

![](/files/epj8bE511QBdmeAnydam)

3. Your report will be opened in the designer window where you can start building its model layout.

![](/files/9xDbNltxNoVl6oafMc06)

4. Right-click on the *Record* node present in model layout window on the left side of your designer screen and click on *Add Data Region*.

![](/files/6BB1QbRIVjkH2hwt5HJK)

5. When you click on *Add Data Region*, you will see a subnode added to *Record* node in the model layout and *Region Properties* and *Pattern Properties* boxes will appear.

![](/files/ioVM1jEi0jyeanrq5Z1Q)

6. In the *Region Properties* section, you will see a check box for *Multi-Column* region. Check that option.

![](/files/uNZqTzn4gdZOOo8TqXst)

7. You will see another bar appear just below the pattern-matching bar for setting column boundaries. Click on the second bar above your report where your first column starts. This will create a black *dotted line* adjacent to your text on the left side. Repeat this for each column. If alignment of your *dotted line* is wrong, click on it to delete it.

The arrows show the start point for each column.

![](/files/4KUzlQrcFFP651b6cwdy)

## **Multi-Column Region Properties**

You can also adjust the *Number of Columns* and *Column Margin* by clicking on the “..." option next to the *Multi-Column* option.

*Starting Points* box will show the points from where each column is starting. For instance, in this case, Column 1 is starting from “Point 0”, Column 2 from “Point 26” and Column 3 from “Point 52”.

![](/files/3zitQ32RUtDoLoHoVE9a)

The number of columns correspond to the number of starting points that you will see on this screen. If there are 4 columns, you will see 4 starting points.

![](/files/9yw5kaEnuTkYc8hUKEeY)

There is an option for automatically calculating columns – *Automatically Calculate Columns*. Here, you can specify:

* *Page Margin* – where the text is starting from
* *Number of Columns* – number of columns you want to have in your layout

Astera will automatically calculate and place the margins on your layout.

For instance, there are 3 columns in this report and the page margin is 0.

![](/files/UTbxHvRECTCxbapYOtGl)

After specifying the *Page Margin* and *Number of Columns*, click on *Calculate*. Your starting points will be automatically calculated.

![](/files/R8rQ10xDUYdMynGaipor)

## **Capturing Data from Multiple Columns**

After creating multi-column data regions, give a suitable pattern in the pattern-matching bar to select your data region.

For this model shown in the screenshot below, write “Name:” in the pattern-matching bar. You can see that it has selected data regions where the pattern matches.

![](/files/q3v5bUpdZ95Nl8S2JaA5)

Increase the *Line Count* to 7 to capture all data fields.

![](/files/qkUE7s14uBE3OXnLImjw)

Highlight the data you want to capture in a field, right click on it and select *Add Data Field.* You will see that the data in the highlighted data region has been selected and a new field is added to your model. Rename your field using the *Field Name* box in the *Region Properties* section.

Repeat the steps for all the fields to build your model layout.

![](/files/FPra1JFJo2prt2E9ZMb3)

To preview your report model, click on *Preview Data* ![](/files/1fKAa7D1h3QHv23YgFcS) option.

![](/files/M79l3zlc6H5sNLBozECP)

Your final output will look like this:

![](/files/ixKBwkYTKa3HuJd86pVz)


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