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SSRS report image binary or embedded

I have an SSRS report that displays a person's photo if it is stored in the table. It will be defined as binary. If there is no photo, I want to display a bmp image that just says NO PHOTO. Can you write an expression for an image that will either choose a binary or a embedded image? When I choose image for my report, it requires you to choose database, embedded or external. I created a custom field for my dataset that is named NOPHOTO. When I do the below expression, the binary pic displays fine but the NOPHOTO doesn't display. It has the red X in the top left corner.

=iif(isnothing(Fields!PIC.Value),Fields!NOPHOTO.Value, Fields!PIC.Value)

Thanks

Kevin Cross

While you wait for others to chime in, you can try using a PNG image if the current embedded image is a JPG. I have read a few of the technet threads and apparently there are known problems with some versions of SSRS and embedded images. You also can try a BMP.

LeLeBrown

ASKER

Thanks Kevin. I tried both of those things. I also tried converting my bmp file to varbinary(max) in my query. CAST('\\SReports\NOPHOTO.bmp' AS varbinary(max)) AS NOPHOTO. When I look at the query results, it shows as binary but still will not display in SSRS. The other binary image (a photo) displays fine though.

Kevin Cross

Hopefully someone has a better work around but last ditch option maybe storing the nophoto.bmp as the binary image in DB for the users without a proper image. Same solution but now you have all images coming from DB. When user uploads new one, it should replace it.

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LeLeBrown

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Kevin Cross

Yes might be a limitation. I don't have any reports with different image sources but have seen many people complaining about same thing you are as I said above, so with luck this will change as there should be enough demand for this functionality to get looked at in future release — at least one would hope.

Kevin Cross

Glad you found solution. I thought I suggested saving the default image in the database earlier but maybe I did not, so apologies on that but what counts is you got what you need plus shared it here for others.

LeLeBrown

ASKER

Hi Kevin,
Sorry, I didn't see that when I closed the question. I should have marked it as assisted. I ended up saving that as binary and then had to play with it to get the if to work.

LeLeBrown

ASKER

Solution was assisted. I need to close it as such.

Kevin Cross

No worries. I truly meant what I said. The important part here is you found a solution. Take care!

LeLeBrown

ASKER

Only one person offered a solution and after further research on my own, I found another solution.