Multiple columns with wide group header

[jeh35]

I need to produce a grouped report. Each group has a header taking up the full page width (A4 landscape), reporting material common to all the records in its group. The detail records for each individual component, basically a small image and some dimensions, require much less space. Three columns of them fit comfortably within the width of a page. The effect I need is similar to a newspaper headline spanning three columns.



I thought I could do this by using the main report set to single column and a linked sub-report, set to three columns, for the detail records. However as far as I can see that can't be made to work. The report and the sub-report seem to insist on having the same number of columns (the number set in whichever one was edited last). Could someone please suggest what I might have missed (always probable) or some other way I might be able to achieve this?

I posted this on access-programmers.co.uk a few days ago. It's showing over 40 views there but no-one has replied. Does anyone here have any ideas?

I'm using Access 2010 and Win 7

TIA John

[June7]

Depending on the tables involved in the report, subreport might not be needed. If there is only one 'many' child table related to main report record involved, then can probably eliminate the subreport. Include the child table in the main report RecordSource.

[jeh35]

Thanks for the suggestion. That's what I did at first. I just couldn't find a way to put multiple columns in the detail section without forcing three columns on the entire report. I only went to the more complicated (and un-necessary in this case) sub-report in desperation. I still think I may have missed something - I just don't know what it is!

[June7]

I've never had to build a multi-column report with grouping. Mine has labels in page header and page header section does not columnate. Didn't realize the group sections would be columnated along with the detail section.

I don't think you missed anything. Seems that is the nature of columned report.