In Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services did you know that we can display html text as well ?

Why should you be even excited about the ability to display HTML in the reports, well here are the reasons

1. It will let you display HTML mark up text like Bold text, colored text and much more.
2. More importantly it will allow you to create links between reporting services reports and other applications or sites.
   1. E.g An employee report with ability to click on a hyperlink in the report which take you to the employee profile page.
3. A better formatting ability.

How do we do that ?

A typical report with markup in the text will show up like below (highlighted in yellow)

In order to convert a regular field into HTML Markup supported field in SSRS,

Imagine you have a report with following fields. (The one highlighted in yellow is not formatted). Don’t get confused with 2 Details columns.

To convert a regular field into HTML markup supported filed,

1. Delete the field from the column.
2. Right click on the blank column which will display a menu.
3. From the menu select “Create Placeholder”
   

   Create Place Holder in the context sensitive menu

4. A placeholder properties window will be displayed. Enter the label name and select the value from the dropdown list.
   Make sure you select “HTML – Interpret HTML tags as styles”.
5. 

   Place Holder Properties Dialog box

   That’s it, run the report you will see the html elements.