Distribute Crystal Reports files

Question

Can I distribute Crystal Reports (CR2016) report files where clients are able to refresh live data but unable to access the Designs?

I have checked with the CR2016 features, it's not possible to do so.

I will need 3rd party program which is able to encrypt the files so I don't have to distribute the .RPT itself.

Just wonder if this tool exists.

Please advise

Answer 1

Export the rpt to rptr (read-only) format.

Any 3rd-party viewer that uses a recent version of the Crystal runtime can then run that report and refresh data. See list of 3rd-party Crystal Reports viewers here.