.NET 7 WinForms News

Turn Images into Editable Reports

February 24, 2026
ActiveReports.NET v20 adds AI image to report conversion, turning screenshots into fully editable reports to reduce manual design time.

ActiveReports.NET by MESCIUS is a reporting solution for the Microsoft .NET platform that enables developers to create and deliver data-driven reports in web, desktop, and cloud applications. It supports multiple report types, including section, page, and RDL (Report Definition Language) reports, and provides visual designers, a robust rendering engine, and export options such as PDF and Excel. Designed to integrate with modern .NET and ASP.NET Core applications, it helps teams build interactive, enterprise-grade reporting features into their software.

The ActiveReports.NET v20 update introduces a new AI powered image to report capability that enables developers to convert static report images such as screenshots, mockups, PDFs, or even photos of printed pages into fully editable report layouts in minutes. By leveraging Azure Document Intelligence to analyze page structure, text, and visual elements, it significantly reduces the manual effort required to recreate existing reports, accelerates the modernization of legacy assets, and streamlines migrations from other reporting platforms. This capability provides a practical starting point for rebuilding or refining reports while preserving full control over layout structure, styling, grouping, and data bindings to ensure alignment with application architecture and development standards.

To see a full list of what's new in v20, see our release notes.

ActiveReports.NET is licensed per developer. Dependent on geographic location it is available as either an Annual (Timed) Subscription License or as a Perpetual Developer License which comes with 1 year of software updates and support. Each developer requires a license to design, develop, or maintain applications. The Annual Subscription License must be renewed each year to continue to work with the software. Published applications are royalty free and do not expire. Optional pipeline licenses available for CI/CD build servers. See our ActiveReports.NET licensing page for full details.

Learn more on our ActiveReports.NET product page.

Simplify Large Datasets with Spreadsheet Sorting

February 19, 2026
Enable efficient data organization and analysis with high-performance spreadsheet sorting that delivers precise, multi-level control.

Data sorting in a spreadsheet is the process of arranging data in a specific order such as alphabetically, numerically, or by date based on one or more columns. It enables users and developers to quickly organize large datasets, improve readability, and surface meaningful insights such as top performing products, recent transactions, or lowest inventory levels. By supporting multi level sorting, for example by region and then by revenue, spreadsheets maintain row integrity while delivering structured and analysis ready views of data. Common use cases include ranking sales performance, organizing customer lists, managing financial records, preparing reports, and enhancing interactive data grids within business applications.

Several .NET WinForms spreadsheet controls allow you to sort data, including:

For an in-depth analysis of features and price, visit our comparison of .NET WinForms spreadsheet controls.

Compare .NET WinForms Spreadsheet Controls

Compare Complex Data with Tornado Charts

February 19, 2026
TeeChart for .NET 2026 adds a Tornado Chart series type for clear side-by-side comparisons and insightful sensitivity analysis in dashboards.

TeeChart for .NET is a comprehensive charting solution that enables developers to create informative, visually compelling charts for financial, scientific, statistical, and business applications. It manages complex data and delivers interactive visualizations. With optional source code and enterprise editions that include mobile and JavaScript components, TeeChart for .NET provides flexibility, customization, and consistent charting across desktop, web, and mobile platforms.

The TeeChart for .NET 2006 update introduces a Tornado Chart series type that enables developers to present structured side-by-side comparisons and perform sensitivity analysis. This chart type is particularly effective for highlighting the relative impact of multiple variables, making it well suited for financial modeling, risk assessment, and analytical dashboards. By offering built-in support within the existing TeeChart framework, it reduces the need for custom visualization logic, accelerates development time, and ensures consistent integration across reporting, analytics, and business applications.

To see a full list of what's new in version 2026, see our release notes.

TeeChart for .NET is licensed per developer and is available as a perpetual license. Each license includes one year of updates and upgrades. See our TeeChart for .NET Pro Edition licensing page for full details.

This update for TeeChart for .NET is available is available in the following products:

Lock PDF Forms by Flattening Fields

February 12, 2026
Enable WinForms apps to flatten form fields in PDF documents, converting user input into static page content that cannot be modified.

Flattening form fields is the process of converting interactive PDF form elements into static content within the document. Once flattened, the data entered into fields becomes part of the page itself, preventing further editing or manipulation. This ensures that the document can be viewed consistently across devices and PDF readers, while preserving the integrity of the submitted information. It is particularly valuable for finalized contracts, reports, and compliance documents where maintaining an accurate, unalterable record is essential.

Several WinForms PDF components allow you to flatten form fields, including:

  • Telerik UI for WinForms PdfProcessing (part of Telerik UI for WinForms) supports programmatic flattening of AcroForm fields so forms can be locked with preserved layout.
  • ImageGear for .NET by Accusoft provides APIs to convert form fields into static page content, removing interactivity and preserving entered data.
  • XFINIUM.PDF WINDOWS/MAC EDITION enables form fields to be flattened during processing, embedding field values into the document content.
  • Syncfusion WinForms PDF (part of Syncfusion Essential Studio Document SDK) allows developers to flatten individual fields or entire forms to prevent editing before sharing.

For an in-depth analysis of features and price, visit our comparison of WinForms PDF components.

Compare WinForms PDF Components

Generate Compliant E-Invoicing Documents

February 5, 2026
List & Label 31.001 adds support for ZUGFeRD 2.4, enabling invoices to be created as reports suitable for human review and automated processing.

List & Label by combit is a software development toolkit that helps developers to integrate comprehensive reporting functionalities into their desktop, web, and cloud applications. It offers features such as data binding, complex data visualization, and a user-friendly report designer, along with printing, exporting, and previewing capabilities. List & Label operates independently of programming languages and data sources, providing developers with the flexibility to design and deliver informative reports within their development environment.

The List & Label 31.001 update adds support for ZUGFeRD 2.4, enabling standards-compliant electronic invoices to be generated as part of existing reporting and document output processes. Developers can produce invoices that combine a conventional PDF layout with embedded XML data compatible with EN 16931, allowing the same document to be used for both visual review and automated processing. This allows current e-invoicing requirements to be met without introducing separate invoice formats or additional export logic.

To see a full list of what's new in version 31.001, see our release notes.

List & Label is licensed per developer and is available as a Perpetual License with a 12 month support and maintenance subscription. See our List & Label licensing page for full details.

List & Label is available in the following products: