Dynamic Crosstab Sorting in Jasper Reports

You can drive the order of Row Groups and Column Groups in a Jasper Reports Crosstab using a Parameter and a custom Java class.

This video shows how to control the sort order of a Jasper Reports Crosstab using a Parameter.

Java Class Notes

To use the Java class mentioned in the example, create a toplevel directory like C:/classes.  Next, add the required folder structure for the Java class (create folders for each path elements): com/bekwam/blog/sort.  Finally, download the Java class file from the Bekwam web server:

DynaSortComparator.class

Alternatively, compile the Java class available here: DynaSortComparator.java.

Next, point iReport to the toplevel class folder you created.  DO NOT SET THE CLASSPATH TO THE com, bekwam, blog, or sort subfolders.

Setting Classpath in iReport

This classpath setting and the class file will need to be replicated if you deploy outside of iReport like in a webapp or Jasper Server.

Possible Errors

The .class file I provided works only with Java 1.7.  I'll put up a backward-compatible version, but you can resolve this yourself by compiling your own version if you have a JDK available.


To check if a JDK is available type 'javac  version' at a command prompt.

Here are the instructions on compiling DynaSortComparator.java for your version.


1. Save the source file in the "sort" folder created for the class file. (com/bekwam/blog/sort)
2. Change into the sort folder
3. Run the command > javac DynaSortComparator.java


This will replace the downloaded class file with one specific to your system.