SSDT: How to Launch the SSRS Report Designer Using a Template

The Task: Create a double-sided, printable membership card to link to iMIS

Steps:

1. Identify and log on to proper client server and ensure SQL Server Data Tools for Visual Studio is installed
2. Launch SQL SDT and create a New Project > Report Server Project

3. Click Tools menu and Connect to Database…

4. Choose SQL Server as data source

5. Add client server name and enter proper credentials. Select database/table and test the connection.

6. Once connected, head to Solution Explorer, right-click Reports > Add > Existing Item… Open the template RDL file.

7. Under the Report Data window, open Datasets folder and add dataset named “iMIS”. Right-click “iMIS” and add proper query to pull in data to SSRS design.

8. Design SSRS report to spec by manipulating table cell sizes and properties (drag rows and columns, right-click for options).