How To Fix CM_REPORT_TEMPLATE242 - Do not use character sizing in building blocks

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: CM_REPORT_TEMPLATE - Report Templates

• Message number: 242

• Message text: Do not use character sizing in building blocks

What causes this issue?

You have tried to create a building block that contains character
sizing. However, building blocks must not contain character sizing.

System Response

The building block is not created.

How to fix this error?

Choose an area in the report template that does not contain character
sizing for your building block.
Transfer the data for the building block again.

Procedure for System Administrators

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message CM_REPORT_TEMPLATE242 - Do not use character sizing in building blocks ?

  The SAP error message CM_REPORT_TEMPLATE242, which states "Do not use character sizing in building blocks," typically arises in the context of SAP Smart Forms or SAPscript when designing forms or reports. This error indicates that character sizing (e.g., using fixed character sizes) is not recommended or allowed in certain contexts, particularly within building blocks like text elements or templates.
  Cause:
  
  Character Sizing: The error is triggered when you attempt to use fixed character sizes in building blocks. This can happen if you specify a fixed font size or character size in the properties of a text element or other components of the form.
  Incompatibility: Fixed character sizes can lead to inconsistencies in the layout, especially when the form is rendered in different environments or when the output medium changes (e.g., print vs. screen).
  Best Practices: SAP encourages the use of relative sizing or default settings to ensure that forms are flexible and can adapt to different output formats and resolutions.
  
  Solution:
  
  Remove Fixed Character Sizing: Go through the building blocks (text elements, paragraphs, etc.) in your Smart Form or SAPscript and remove any fixed character sizing settings. Instead, use relative sizing options or let the system determine the size based on the default settings.
  Use Styles: If you need to maintain specific formatting, consider using styles instead of fixed sizes. Define styles in the Smart Form or SAPscript that can be applied to text elements without specifying fixed sizes.
  Test the Form: After making changes, test the form to ensure that it displays correctly in all intended output formats (e.g., print preview, PDF, etc.).
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAP Documentation: Refer to the official SAP documentation for Smart Forms and SAPscript for best practices on designing forms and reports.
  SAP Community: Engage with the SAP Community forums to find discussions and solutions related to similar issues encountered by other users.
  Version Compatibility: Ensure that you are using a version of SAP that supports the features you are trying to implement, as some functionalities may vary between versions.
  
  By following these guidelines, you should be able to resolve the CM_REPORT_TEMPLATE242 error and create more flexible and adaptable forms in SAP.