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SAP Note 551178 - FAQ ALV Layout

Note Language: English Version: 7 Validity: Valid Since 17.10.2008

Summary

SymptomThis note provides the answers to several frequently asked questions.

More TermsFAQ, Q+A, layout, display variant, ALV

Cause and Prerequisites

Solution[1] Question: What do the terms "display variant" and "layout" mean?[2] Question: For what are layouts used?[3] Question: How do you save layouts?[4] Question: Which authorizations or settings do you need to be able to save layouts?[5] Question: Can you transport layouts?[6] Question: What happens with special layouts for SAP reports during the upgrade of or when importing Support Packages?[7] Question: How do you include additional fields in the layout?[8] Question: How can you structure long lists more clearly?

[1] Question: What do the terms "display variant" and "layout" mean?Answer: Both the term "display variant" and the term "layout" refer to thesame thing. Up to and including Release 4.6B, the term "display variants"is used. As of Release 4.6C, these are called "layouts".

[2] Question: For what are layouts used?Answer: Using layouts, the list format can be adjusted more flexibly tocustomers' various requirements. You can omit columns that are not requiredfrom the display. You can change the column sequence. You can sort the datain different ways on the list. You can use filters to hide data that is notrelevant for the display. You can create totals and subtotals.

[3] Question: How do you save layouts?Answer: Layouts can be saved for specific users or for all users.User-specific layouts are only visible to the users who have created them.Layouts for all users can be selected by all users. These layouts alwaysstart with a forward slash in the name (for example, /Standard).The layouts are report-dependent and you can only create, change or deletethem within the display of the respective ALV list. User-specific layoutscan only be changed or deleted by the user who created them.Independent of these authorizations (see point 4), you can save a layout aspresetting (default layout). This setting is set by the application andcannot be influenced.

[4] Question: Which authorizations or settings do you need to be able to save layouts?Answer: To save layouts for all users, you need the authorizationS_ALV_LAYO with activity 23 as of Release 4.6C. You can only go to thelayout administration if you have this authorization.You must maintain the authorization object S_ALV_LAYO using the useradministration.If you would like to use or save the Excel view in your layout, you also

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SAP Note 551178 - FAQ ALV Layout

require the additional authorization S_BDS_DS with activity 01,02,03,06,30;CLASSNAME ALVLAYOUTTEMPLATES and CLASSTYPE OT.Furthermore, there are applications that have their own authorizationchecks installed.In some ALV lists, you can only save user-specific layouts. In these cases,the indicator "user-specific" is active , on a grey background and unableto be changed. This is related to the parameter I_SAVE. This controls whichoptions you have to save the layout.To be able to define default layouts, the parameter I_DEFAULT must have thevalue 'X'.Notes 409190 and 601803 also provide further information on authorizations.

[5] Question: Can you transport layouts?Answer: You can transport layouts for all users using the layoutadministration. You create a Customizing request for this. You cannottransport user-specific layouts. However, you can import both from anotherclient. You can also access this function using the layout administration.

[6] Question: What happens with special layouts for SAP reports during the upgrade of or when importing Support Packages?Answer: Layouts created by the customer are retained and you can continueto use them.

[7] Question: How do you include additional fields in the layout?Answer: The fields that can be included in the layout are defined using thefield catalog. That is, the respective application transfers a list offields to the ALV. You can select these fields within the column set andcopy them to the display. If you also want to display additional fields,you must extend the field catalog. For this, you need to make a changewithin the application program.

[8] Question: How can you structure long lists more clearly?Answer: It is easier to distinguish between the lines both in the displayand in the print output if you give the lists a striped background. You cando this in the full screen and in the grid using "Change layout" -> tabtitle: Display -> With stripe pattern or by setting the parameteris_layout-Zebra when you call the grid. In the list, the pattern must beset by the application using the is_layout-Zebra parameter when you callthe ALV. The pattern is copied during printing.

Header Data

Release Status: Released for CustomerReleased on: 07.11.2008 12:50:02Master Language: GermanPriority: Recommendations/additional infoCategory: FAQPrimary Component BC-SRV-ALV SAP List Viewer

The Note is release-independent

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SAP Note 551178 - FAQ ALV Layout

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1300475 SE16: Saving the ALV grid layout as a default setting