The Interactive View is a logical layout that removes the strict restrictions for report pagination on the client by utilizing a simpler paging algorithm, which allows it to render reports faster. For example, if you use the crosstab's drill-down feature, the crosstab will expand its subcategories faster, because it will not recalculate the report's page size. Rather, this action will simply stretch the report.

The paging mechanism of the Interactive View is based on soft page breaks, where the report is optimized for screen-based viewing and delivery. In other words, you could have a two-page long table which to appear in a single continuous form on the client with a vertical scroll bar (logical layout); when printed, the table will print on two separate sheets of paper (print layout).

Note
The Interactive layout is the default report layout which users see. You can control the default layout via the ViewMode property of the respective report viewer.

The paging in Print Preview layout is calculated based on the page settings. During the preparation of the report for printing, the latest state of the report will be printed, such as expanded/collapsed Crosstab categories. The Print Preview is not interactive, it is dedicated only for printing.