Where Parameters Can Be Used in the Designer

You can use parameters in calculations, display rules, filters, and ranks. You can create, modify, and manage parameters using the Data tab in the left pane.
The following controls in the designer support parameters:
  • The text input control supports a character parameter or a numeric parameter.
  • The button bar control or drop-down list control accepts a character parameter.
  • The slider (single-point only) accepts a numeric parameter.
Parameters can be used with the following features in the designer:
calculations
calculated items and aggregated measures allow parameters. Parameters are supported wherever it makes sense to have a numeric or character value.
display rules
numeric parameters can be specified as the value of an expression rule.
filters (detail filters, aggregated filters, and data source filters)
a character or numeric parameter is supported wherever it makes sense to have a numeric or character value. The data source filter is a special case. Ordinarily, a data source filter applies to all of the report objects on the canvas. However, if the data source filter contains a parameter, then the filter is not applied to the control that has that parameter assigned to it.
ranks
for a rank, the parameter can be included for the n value of the rank. It is supported for Top Count or Bottom Count and Top Percent or Bottom Percent.
Here are some key points about creating parameters:
  • You cannot create a parameter for a control that uses a date.
  • If you duplicate a control with a parameter, the parameter is not copied from the original control.