Creating Report Prompt for Filters

You can use prompts for filters within the Reporting module to determine which records display in a report. Prompts present individuals running the report a series of questions that help them determine who or what data is included in their report. One way to use a prompt is to connect it to a filter. The filters assist with removing extra data from the report, while the prompt enables the user running the report to specify which records are included in the filter. For example, you could create a filter for student last name and attach a prompt to it. Creating this filter does not immediately limit which records appear on the report but once users run the report, they will complete the prompt to determine the records included.

You can only configure report prompts on a user-created report. If necessary, a Skyward report can be cloned in order to make changes to the layout.

Scroll past the video to access the step-by-step instructions.

Before you begin

  • You must know how to utilize the filter builder.

  • The report must exist.

Audio Transcript

When running a report, there are several pieces that work together to customize how your report displays. Creating a report prompt allows you to specify which records are included on the report. Connecting a filter to that report prompt assists with removing extra data from the report. Let's begin the process by navigating to the Report Manager within the Reporting module. Here we can locate the report we want to modify. To create a report prompt for a filter, we’ll need to head over to the Report Designer. We can then identify the details section we want to create a prompt for. Since a prompt is a user selected filter, we need to begin adding a new filter. We'll add a new row where we can create this filter and prompt. For this example, we'll use Last Name, so that we can select a list of last names the user can prompt or filter for. From here, the Condition Type will determine how the prompt will work. For example, if List is used, the user will be able to select from a list of names. If we wanted to specify a high and low value, we would choose Between Inclusive. For our example we'll stick with List. We can then add a new prompt. The Label will display for the user when they run the report, and this works for us. Notice that many of the values default in, which is based on the fields we previously populated. Let’s update the Requirement Type, so that way users can choose whether they need to enter a value in the prompt. We’ll choose Optional - All Values. We can see our selected field, and the Fields to Display will show the actual display text, which can be changed if needed. We also have the option to prefill a prompt with our last run value. We’ll then save our prompt, and then save our filter. Once we’ve saved our changes, this report will be set up for any users that need to run it. Now that you know how to create report prompts for filters, you can be sure that only the data you need displays on your report.

When running a report, there are several pieces that work together to customize how your report displays. Creating a report prompt allows you to specify which records are included on the report. Connecting a filter to that report prompt assists with removing extra data from the report. Let's begin the process by navigating to the Report Manager within the Reporting module. Here we can locate the report we want to modify. To create a report prompt for a filter, we’ll need to head over to the Report Designer. We can then identify the details section we want to create a prompt for. Since a prompt is a user selected filter, we need to begin adding a new filter. We'll add a new row where we can create this filter and prompt. For this example, we'll use Last Name, so that we can select a list of last names the user can prompt or filter for. From here, the Condition Type will determine how the prompt will work. For example, if List is used, the user will be able to select from a list of names. If we wanted to specify a high and low value, we would choose Between Inclusive. For our example we'll stick with List. We can then add a new prompt. The Label will display for the user when they run the report, and this works for us. Notice that many of the values default in, which is based on the fields we previously populated. Let’s update the Requirement Type, so that way users can choose whether they need to enter a value in the prompt. We’ll choose Optional - All Values. We can see our selected field, and the Fields to Display will show the actual display text, which can be changed if needed. We also have the option to prefill a prompt with our last run value. We’ll then save our prompt, and then save our filter. Once we’ve saved our changes, this report will be set up for any users that need to run it. Now that you know how to create report prompts for filters, you can be sure that only the data you need displays on your report.



  1. Select Menu > Administrative Access > Reporting.
  2. Select Report Manager under Features.
  3. Click the drop-down icon to the left of the report you wish to modify.

    If the report has a checkmark under the Skyward Maintained column heading, it cannot be modified.

  4. Select Design Report from the menu.
  5. Click the Filter icon near the top right of the section you wish to add a prompt for filters to.
  6. Complete the appropriate fields.
    1. Click Add Row near the left of the window.
    2. Click the Down Arrow icon to the right of the Select Filter Field.
    3. Double click the field you wish to create a prompt for.

      To select the specific field you wish to filter by, you may need to navigate through the appropriate folders to locate the field by double-clicking the folder to view the fields within it. For example, if you wish to filter the report by last name, you would navigate to the Last Name field within the Name folder. Alternatively, you can use the search bar and Magnifying Glass icon near the top of the window to locate a field and then click the Select Field option.

      If the Field folder selected at the top of the Select Filter Field menu has a standard filter associated with it, you see the Select Standard Filter option. Standard filters, such as Name Ranges, are filters the system has set up. If the standard filter is selected, the system automatically builds prompts for the standard filter. Repeat sub-steps a - v until you have created all the necessary filters with prompts, then continue to step 7.

      In order to create a prompt, the prompt must connect to a specific field.

      If you highlight a One-to-Many relationship, you see the Select Field option. One-to-Many relationships indicate each record for the folder selected at the top of the screen can have one or more records tied to it. For example, Names has a One-to-Many relationship with NameEmail because each name can be attached to more than one email address. If you click Select Field, you must continue building a filter using the Filter icon in the row you are working in until you can double click the field to select it.

    4. Choose the condition type from the drop-down list.
    5. Click the Down Arrow icon for the blank field to the right of the condition type.
    6. Under the Prompts heading, click Add Prompt.
    7. Verify the Label or enter the correct label if necessary.

      This defaults based on the field you selected previously when building your filter. This label displays when you run the report and complete the prompt. The report label must be unique to the entire report.

    8. Verify the Prompt Type or choose the correct type from the drop-down list.

      The remaining fields on the Add Prompt window change based on the prompt type you select. Additional fields may become available.

    9. Verify the Input Type is correct.

      The input type defaults based on the filter field selected for your filter and cannot be modified.

    10. Verify the Requirement Type or choose the correct type from the drop-down list.

      The table below provides you with information about each available requirement type and is meant to assist you with making the appropriate selection.

      Requirement TypeOutcome
      RequiredA user must enter a value into the prompt.
      Optional - All ValuesIf the user does not enter a value into the prompt, all values are returned.
      Optional - No ValueIf the user does not enter a value into the prompt, no values are returned.
      Optional - All Values (Hidden)The prompt is not displayed when running the report. This option is typically selected when a report is assigned to a screen because the system pulls the filter data from that screen.

      If you selected Value as the Prompt Type and did not select Boolean as the Input Type, continue to the next sub-step.

      If you selected Single Select or Multiple Select as the Prompt Type, skip to sub-step l.

      If you selected any values other than those mentioned above, skip to sub-step v.

    11. Enter a Default Value for the prompt if appropriate.

      This field is not available if you selected Single Select or Multiple Select as the prompt type, or Boolean as the input type. The default value populates into the prompt field when a user runs the report. This is helpful if there is a frequently used value for the prompt because the user will not have to make a selection.

      Skip to sub-step v.

    12. Verify the Field for the prompt.

      The Field only displays when the prompt type is set to Single Select or Multiple Select.

    13. Click the Edit icon to the right of Fields to Display to modify the fields to display as columns within the prompt, if appropriate.
    14. Highlight the field in the list you wish to add as a column within the prompt.
    15. Click Add to the right of the Available Fields area.
    16. Within the Selected Fields area, adjust the Field Width of the column and choose whether to Hide or Show the column for the prompt.
    17. Click Move Up or Move Down between the lists if you wish to modify the display order of the columns from left to right.
    18. Click Save near the bottom right of the window.
    19. Sort the Fields to Display using the Sort Columns field if appropriate.
    20. Enter one or more Selection Options or click the Magnifying Glass icon to choose from the drop-down list if appropriate.

      The Selection Options field only displays when the prompt type is set to Single Select or Multiple Select.

    21. Click the Filter icon to create a Selection Filter for the prompt if appropriate.

      You would only create a Selection Filter if you did not choose Selection Options, but still wish to restrict the options that are available when completing the prompt. The Selection Filter does not require you to choose particular options. Instead, it enables you to create a filter which narrows down the options available to the user.

    22. Verify False is selected for the Hide this Prompt field or click the Down Arrow icon to modify the value if necessary.

      This field defaults to False, but can be modified if necessary. When False is selected, this filter will always display on the report regardless of the values entered in the other report prompts.

      You would click the Down Arrow icon if you want to hide this filter under specific conditions.

      If you click the Down Arrow icon, you see the Select a Value window. Continue to the next sub-step.

      If you selected False, skip to sub-step z.

    23. Under the Prompts heading, select the prompt that will determine whether the filter displays.

      Alternatively, you could click Add Prompt to create a new prompt. Repeat sub-steps g - v.

      One or more fields display to the right of the Hide this Prompt field based on your selection.

    24. Choose the appropriate condition type from the drop-down list.

      Refer to the condition type table to determine the appropriate condition type for the filter. The options available are determined by the type of prompt you selected.

      Condition TypeDefinition
      Equal ToEqual to the entered value.
      Not Equal ToNot equal to the entered value.
      Less ThanLess than the entered value.
      Less than or Equal ToLess than or equal to the entered value.
      Greater ThanGreater than the entered value.
      Greater than or Equal ToGreater than or equal to the entered value.
    25. Enter or select the appropriate value from the drop-down list.

      The options available are determined by the condition type you selected.

    26. Uncheck the box for Prefill prompt with last run value if appropriate.

      If you check this box, the information in the prompt will default to the value that was entered from the most recent run of the report.

      If you uncheck this box, the prompt will be blank each time you run the report.

    27. Click Save near the bottom right of the window.
  7. Click Save near the bottom right of the window.
  8. Choose one of the options at the top of the screen to save your work.
    OptionDescription
    Save & BackSaves the prompt you added to the report and you return to the Report Manager screen. This option is located near the top left of the screen.
    Save ChangesSaves the prompt you added to the report and you remain on the Report Designer screen. This option is located near the top left of the screen.
    Save And Run ReportSaves the prompt you added to the report and runs the report. This option is located near the top right of the screen.
    Save And Run Report With Last ValuesSaves the prompt you added to the report and runs the report with the values set on the last run. If there are required prompts with no values set from a previous run, you will see the Run Report screen. This option is located near the top right of the screen.

Result(s)

For more detailed information, please refer to the "Creating Report Prompt" article in the Help Center.