How To Fix CG018 - Error in layout definition

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CG - VarChart graphic (network, hierarchy, Gantt chart)

• Message number: 018

• Message text: Error in layout definition

What causes this issue?

The layout definition is incorrect.

System Response

Processing stops.

How to fix this error?

Maintain the layout definition.
The layout definition consists of the following elements:
$name - field ID
// - vertical subdivision
/ - vertical subdivision without separator line
-- - horizontal subdivision
- - horizontal subdivision without separator line
[] - rectangle frame
() - for generating strips, linked components
The following rules apply:
Square brackets determine the frame of the rectangle and can occur both
singly and doubly.
The layout definition is processed from left to right.
Linked components are enclosed in round brackets.
Components can be separated by blanks as required.
There are no separator lines outside the rectangle.
Only lowercase letters may be used in field names. Field names must be
unique.
&EXAMPLES&
[$a//$b//$c]
[$a/$b/$c]
[[$a-(($b--$c)//$d)]]
$a[[$b--$c]]$e $a[$b[$c]$d]$e.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CG018 - Error in layout definition ?

  The SAP error message CG018, which states "Error in layout definition," typically occurs in the context of SAP's graphical user interface or reporting tools, particularly when dealing with layout definitions for reports or forms. This error can arise due to various reasons, including issues with the layout configuration, missing elements, or incorrect settings.
  Causes of CG018 Error
  
  Missing Layout Definition: The layout definition may not be properly created or may be missing entirely.
  Incorrect Configuration: There may be incorrect settings in the layout definition, such as wrong field assignments or data sources.
  Corrupted Layout: The layout definition could be corrupted or not compatible with the current version of the SAP system.
  Authorization Issues: The user may not have the necessary authorizations to access or modify the layout.
  Data Source Issues: The data source linked to the layout may not be available or may have been changed.
  
  Solutions to CG018 Error
  
  
  Check Layout Definition:
  
  Go to the layout definition in the SAP system and verify that all required fields and settings are correctly configured.
  Ensure that the layout is properly assigned to the relevant report or form.
  
  
  
  Recreate the Layout:
  
  If the layout is corrupted, consider recreating it from scratch. This can often resolve issues related to corruption or misconfiguration.
  
  
  
  Review Authorizations:
  
  Ensure that the user has the necessary authorizations to access and modify the layout. Check the user roles and permissions in the SAP system.
  
  
  
  Check Data Sources:
  
  Verify that the data sources used in the layout are available and correctly configured. If there have been changes to the data structure, update the layout accordingly.
  
  
  
  Consult SAP Notes:
  
  Check the SAP Support Portal for any relevant SAP Notes or patches that may address this specific error. Sometimes, known issues are documented with recommended solutions.
  
  
  
  Debugging:
  
  If you have access to debugging tools, you can try to debug the report or transaction that is generating the error to identify the exact point of failure.
  
  
  
  Contact SAP Support:
  
  If the issue persists after trying the above solutions, consider reaching out to SAP Support for further assistance. Provide them with detailed information about the error and the context in which it occurs.
  
  
  
  Related Information
  
  Transaction Codes: Familiarize yourself with relevant transaction codes such as SE78 (for SAPscript forms) or SMARTFORMS (for Smart Forms) to manage layout definitions.
  Documentation: Review SAP documentation related to layout management and reporting tools to understand best practices and configuration guidelines.
  Community Forums: Engage with SAP community forums or user groups where similar issues may have been discussed, and solutions shared.
  
  By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose and resolve the CG018 error in your SAP environment.