Crystal Reports Alternative
Painlessly Migrate from Crystal Reports to Modern Automated Reporting
Replace Crystal Reports with a user-friendly platform that delivers pixel-perfect PDFs, automated workflows, and flexible deployment without expensive licensing or steep learning curves.
Cloud hosting, cancel any time
Self-hosted, free for low volume
THE CHALLENGE
Crystal Reports users face daily frustrations with a platform that has not kept pace with modern development practices. From Visual Studio editor dependencies and cryptic error messages to PDF export alignment issues and manual database credential updates across every report, the technical debt keeps mounting.
THE SOLUTION
CxReports delivers professional, personalized reporting at scale with a visual platform that eliminates per-user licensing costs, reduces technical maintenance overhead, and provides flexible deployment options. Get modern reporting capabilities without the architectural complexity of legacy systems.
 | Crystal Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing Model |  Usage-based or free self-hosted (up to 500/year) |  $495+ per user, mandatory upgrade costs |
| Report Designer | Web-based WYSIWYG editor with real-time preview | Visual Studio required, preview does not match PDF output |
| Technical Expertise | Visual editor reduces specialized developer needs | Requires specialized Crystal Reports developers |
| Architecture | Modern web-based, Docker deployment, .NET Core compatible | No .NET Core support, 32-bit to 64-bit migration required |
| Automation | Built-in scheduling, email delivery, API integration | No native automation, requires custom development |
| Data Source Management | Centralized credentials, update once for all reports | Manual updates required across every report |
| PDF Output | Pixel-perfect, consistent across all formats | Alignment issues, format inconsistencies between viewers |
| Deployment Options | Cloud-native or on-premise, hybrid supported | Primarily on-premise, complex cloud migration |
| Data Integration | SQL, NoSQL, REST APIs, standard protocols | Primarily SQL databases, proprietary connectors |
| Maintenance Overhead | Low maintenance, automatic updates available | High maintenance, specialized knowledge required |
| Vendor Support | Active development, modern roadmap | Diminishing support, uncertain future |
We Help You Move from Crystal Reports
Migrating from Crystal Reports does not have to be painful. We provide an automated migration tool, templates, guidance, and hands-on assistance to help you transition smoothly.
Automated Migration
- Use our migration tool to convert Crystal Reports automatically
- Preserve report structure, formatting, and data connections
- Review and refine converted reports in our visual editor
- Faster migration for large report libraries
Self-Service Migration
- Start with our template library
- Import your data connections
- Rebuild reports with our visual editor
- Test with real data before going live
Assisted Migration
- Migration assessment and planning
- Report conversion assistance
- Data connection setup and validation
- Training for your team
- Post-migration support
Visual Editor
Reduce Technical Dependencies for Report Changes
Create pixel-perfect reports with a visual editor that reduces the need for specialized Crystal Reports developers. Your technical team maintains oversight while enabling faster turnaround on report customizations.
Advanced tables and charts- QR codes, barcodes, and 20+ other components
- Real-time preview with actual data
- Reusable themes and templates
- Technical team retains control over data connections and deployment
Data Connections
Modern Integration with Your Tech Stack
Connect to SQL databases, NoSQL, REST APIs, and cloud data sources using standard protocols. Maintain your existing data architecture while gaining modern reporting capabilities.
- Direct SQL database connections (MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, Oracle)
- MongoDB and NoSQL databases
- Google Sheets, CSV, and JSON data sources
- Parameterized reports for personalized customer/client output
Automation & Scheduling
Scale Personalized ReportingWithout Infrastructure Overhead
Automate the generation and delivery of thousands of personalized customer reports with built-in scheduling, bulk processing, and RESTful API integration for your existing systems.
- Scheduled report generation (daily, weekly, monthly, custom)
- Automated email delivery with personalized attachments
- Bulk generation for thousands of recipients (variable data printing)
- RESTful API for integration with CRM, ERP, and custom applications
- Optional review workflow and approval gates
Corporate Branding
Professional, Branded Documents
Maintain consistent branding across all reports with centralized themes. Update your brand once and apply changes across all report templates instantly.
- Company colors & typography
- Reusable themes across all reports
- Support for Google Fonts and custom fonts
- Custom CSS for advanced styling
- Logo and image management
Get It Up And Running in 3 Steps
Deploy & Connect
Data Sources
Set up CxReports in your environment and connect to your existing databases, APIs, and data stores.
- Cloud SaaS or on-premise deployment
- SQL databases, REST APIs, Google Sheets, CSV imports
- Hybrid deployment options
Design &
Build Reports
Use the drag-and-drop visual editor to create professional report templates with your branding.
- Visual editor with 20+ component types
- Company branding, colors, fonts, and logos
- Preview actual data while designing
Automate &
Integrate
Generate thousands of personalized reports automatically and integrate delivery into your business workflows
- Scheduled generation and delivery
- Email delivery with dynamic recipient lists
- API integration for existing business systems
Over 10,000 personalized reports sent monthly by CxReports users.
Comprehensive and Secure Integration
Integration
CxReports has you covered for accessing data for reports, seamless sign-ins, integrating reporting into standard workflows, and sending emails via company accounts.
SQL Connectors (MS SQL, Postgres, MySQL, MongoDB, Oracle)- API Access
- Single sign-on
- Docker image
- Advanced SMTP configuration and throttling
Security
CxReports provides a comprehensive set of security features tailored for sensitive data environments, such as financial and healthcare records.
- On-premise or Cloud hosting
- Granular access rights (roles, permissions, access lists)
- Workspaces (multi-tenancy)
- Offline mode
Embedded Reporting
Use CxReports to offer reporting to end users within your web applications. Save time on implementing a new module and easily add new reports.
- Preview reports using iframes
- Push data API
- Client connector libraries (TypeScript, C#, PHP, Python, etc.)
- Integration examples (React, Next.js)
Simplify Reporting for the Whole Organization
Whether you’re creating reports, managing IT, or developing an app, CxReports makes your job easier.
For Report Authors
Create pixel-perfect reports effortlessly without any programming skills.
- Visual editor & rich component set
- Parameterization
- Data sources
- Multilingual support
- Scheduled email dispatch
- Printing to PDF or paper
- Client-specific report customization
For IT Administrators
Integrate CxReports into your existing infrastructure with ease.
- On-premise or Cloud hosting
- Support for various data sources (MS SQL, MySql, Postgres, MongoDB, API, CSV, JSON)
- Separate environments for different departments
- Granular access control
- Lifetime license + optional support
- Installation via Docker
For Software Developers
Add robust document generation and reporting capabilities to your applications effortlessly.
- Document generation via API
- Client libraries for C#, Node.js, PHP
- Embed reports in other applications via iframes
- Integration examples on Github
- Documentation
- Docker container for development