A counter is a datasource you can create to add a (sequential) number to each row of data in your datasheet.You can specify the start and step value and the format of the counter to suit your needs.
The counter is a virtual field, meaning that it is not actually added to, and stored in the database. It is a calculated field that is temporary kept in memory. However, its value can be used as all other datasources for further processing and in print objects (e.g. as text or in barcodes).
NOTE: The counter value is calculated on the basis of the row number in your datasheet. Since the value is no part of the actual record, this means that the value assigned to a record changes when filtering or sorting the database. If you want to assign a fixed number to a record, you could create a counter and then export and re-link the database.
You define, modify, or delete a counter, by clicking Counter in the Functions group on the Datasources tab. In the menu that appears you can select an existing counter or select New. The Counter dialog will open where you can review or specify the settings for the counter.
In the Values group you specify the logic of the counter:
Start Value. This is the start value of the counter for the first row on the datasheet. You may set the value to any whole number. The value may also be negative.
Increment. You here set the change for every next value that is calculated. This value may also be negative.
In the Format group you specify the format of the result. You can give your counter a minimum (fixed) length. If you do so, you can also specify the fill character to be used to adjust the counter value to its minimum length. Usually this will be a 0, but you may select any other character you want. Fill characters are always applied at the left side of the number (e.g.0000123).
You can preview the effects of your settings in the Preview group. By using the arrows you can step through the values.