Introduction
Creating an RTF template from scratch in Oracle Fusion Cloud is a critical skill for any consultant working with BI Publisher reports. Whether you are building invoice layouts, payslips, purchase orders, or custom reports, understanding how to design RTF templates gives you complete control over output formatting.
In real implementations, clients rarely accept default report layouts. They demand branded, structured, and business-friendly documents. That’s where RTF template design becomes essential.
This blog walks you through how to create RTF from scratch, covering not just theory but the exact steps followed in real projects using BI Publisher in Oracle Fusion Applications (26A).
What is RTF Template in Oracle Fusion?
An RTF (Rich Text Format) template is a document created using Microsoft Word that defines how data from XML files is formatted into a final output (PDF, Excel, HTML, etc.) using BI Publisher.
Think of it like this:
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| XML Data | Contains raw data |
| RTF Template | Defines layout and structure |
| BI Publisher | Merges XML + RTF → Final Output |
RTF templates use BI Publisher tags embedded inside Word documents to dynamically render data.
Key Features of RTF Templates
RTF templates in Oracle Fusion offer:
1. Dynamic Data Rendering
- Use XML data fields
- Supports repeating groups (tables, lists)
2. Conditional Logic
- Show/hide data using IF conditions
- Control visibility based on business logic
3. Formatting Control
- Fonts, colors, alignment
- Headers, footers, logos
4. Multi-format Output
- Excel
- HTML
5. Advanced Functions
- Calculations
- Grouping
- Sorting
Real-World Business Use Cases
Use Case 1: Invoice Layout Customization
A manufacturing client needed:
- GST breakdown
- Company branding
- Dynamic tax calculations
RTF was used to redesign the invoice output.
Use Case 2: Payslip Generation
HR required:
- Earnings and deductions sections
- Conditional display of allowances
- Employee-specific details
RTF handled all formatting and conditional logic.
Use Case 3: Purchase Order Output
Procurement team wanted:
- Supplier-specific layouts
- Dynamic line item grouping
- Approval signatures
RTF template enabled complete control over layout.
Configuration Overview
Before creating an RTF template, ensure:
- BI Publisher access is available
- XML data file is extracted
- Microsoft Word installed
- BI Publisher Desktop plugin installed
Step-by-Step: Create RTF Template from Scratch
Step 1 – Extract Sample XML Data
Navigation:
Tools → Reports and Analytics → Browse Catalog
- Locate your report
- Click More → Download → Data
Save XML file locally.
Step 2 – Install BI Publisher Desktop
Download and install:
- BI Publisher Desktop plugin for Word
After installation, you will see a new BI Publisher tab in Word.
Step 3 – Load XML Data in Word
- Open Microsoft Word
- Go to BI Publisher Tab
- Click Sample XML → Load XML Data
- Select your XML file
Now Word is connected to your data.
Step 4 – Insert Data Fields
Use Insert → Field option:
Example:
- Employee Name →
<?EMP_NAME?> - Salary →
<?SALARY?>
Fields will appear like:
Step 5 – Create Table for Repeating Data
Example: Invoice Lines
- Insert a table
- Define columns:
- Item
- Quantity
- Price
- Add loop syntax:
Item: <?ITEM_NAME?>
Qty: <?QUANTITY?>
Price: <?PRICE?>
<?end for-each?>
Step 6 – Apply Formatting
Use Word features:
- Bold headers
- Align numeric values right
- Add borders and shading
Step 7 – Add Conditional Logic
Example:
Show bonus only if available:
Bonus: <?BONUS_AMOUNT?>
<?end if?>
Step 8 – Add Calculations
Example: Total amount
Step 9 – Insert Logo
- Insert image in header
- Adjust alignment
- Ensure image is embedded (not linked)
Step 10 – Preview Template
Click:
BI Publisher → Preview → PDF
Validate:
- Data rendering
- Alignment
- Calculations
Step 11 – Upload Template to Fusion
Navigation:
Tools → Reports and Analytics → Catalog
- Open report
- Click Edit
- Upload RTF template
- Save
Testing the Template
Test Scenario
Example: Invoice Report
- Create sample invoice
- Run report
Expected Output
- Proper layout
- Correct totals
- Conditional fields working
Validation Checklist
- Data accuracy
- Formatting consistency
- Logo visibility
- No missing fields
Common Implementation Challenges
1. XML Structure Confusion
Problem:
- Incorrect loop structure
Solution:
- Analyze XML hierarchy carefully
2. Data Not Displaying
Problem:
- Incorrect field names
Solution:
- Use exact XML tag names
3. Formatting Issues
Problem:
- Misaligned columns
Solution:
- Use fixed-width tables
4. Conditional Logic Errors
Problem:
- Syntax mistakes
Solution:
- Validate IF conditions
5. Performance Issues
Problem:
- Large XML files slow rendering
Solution:
- Optimize queries
Best Practices from Real Projects
1. Always Start with XML Analysis
Understand:
- Parent-child structure
- Data hierarchy
2. Use Meaningful Layout Sections
Divide template into:
- Header
- Body
- Footer
3. Avoid Hardcoding Values
Use dynamic fields instead.
4. Test with Multiple Scenarios
- Empty data
- Large data
- Edge cases
5. Version Control Templates
Maintain:
- Backup copies
- Change history
6. Use Tables for Alignment
Tables ensure consistent formatting across outputs.
7. Optimize Loops
Avoid nested loops unless necessary.
Summary
Creating an RTF template from scratch in Oracle Fusion Cloud is a foundational skill for BI reporting. It enables consultants to:
- Design business-friendly outputs
- Customize reports as per client requirements
- Implement complex formatting and logic
In real-world implementations, mastering RTF templates significantly improves your ability to deliver high-quality reporting solutions.
To deepen your understanding, refer to official Oracle documentation:
https://docs.oracle.com/en/cloud/saas/index.html
FAQs
1. What is the difference between RTF and layout templates?
RTF is a type of layout template used in BI Publisher. Layout templates define how XML data is formatted.
2. Can RTF templates generate Excel output?
Yes, BI Publisher allows exporting RTF templates into Excel format.
3. Do I need coding skills for RTF templates?
Basic understanding of XML and BI Publisher syntax is enough. No advanced coding required.