How to Export a Report
Report Forge outputs can be exported to PDF, Excel, Word, and CSV. The available export formats depend on the output's configuration. Export can be triggered from the Report Viewer (for published outputs) or from the Edition page (for draft previews).
Export format support matrix
| Output type | Excel | Word | CSV | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Matrix | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Chart (standard) | ✓ | ✓ (image) | ✓ (image) | ✗ |
| Chart (advanced) | ✓ | ✓ (image) | ✓ (image) | ✗ |
| Gantt | ✓ | ✓ (image) | ✓ (image) | ✗ |
| KPI card | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Cash flow curve | ✓ | ✓ (image) | ✓ (image) | ✗ |
| Earned value | ✓ | ✓ (image) | ✓ (image) | ✗ |
| Slicers | ✓ (static) | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Map | ✓ (static image) | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Text box | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Image | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
Exporting from the Report Viewer
The Report Viewer is the primary export surface for published, approved outputs.
- Navigate to the edition and click View Report.
- The Report Viewer opens the generated output.
- Click the Export button in the top-right toolbar.
- Select the export format: PDF, Excel, Word, or CSV.
- Configure export options (see below).
- Click Download.
Export options by format
PDF
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Page range | All pages, current page, or a custom range (e.g., 1-3, 5). |
| Page size | Use the output's configured page size, or override for the export. |
| Orientation | Use the output's configured orientation, or override. |
| Quality | Standard (screen quality) or High (print quality). |
| Include bookmarks | Add PDF bookmarks per page for navigation in the PDF viewer. |
| Include page numbers | Override page number display in the footer. |
| Password protect | Optional password encryption for the PDF file. |
| Flatten forms | Convert any interactive fields to static text. |
Excel
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Sheet per page | Each output page is exported as a separate Excel sheet. |
| Sheet names | Sheets are named by the page name in the output. |
| Include charts as images | Charts are embedded as images in the relevant sheets. |
| Include styling | Apply background colors, fonts, and borders from the output's format settings. |
| Data-only mode | Strip all styling and export raw data values only. Ideal for downstream processing. |
Word (DOCX)
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Page breaks | Insert page breaks matching the output's page structure. |
| Include images | Embed chart images and component screenshots. |
| Include table of contents | Auto-generate a Word TOC using page names as headings. |
CSV
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Table selection | Choose which table or data component to export. |
| Delimiter | Comma, semicolon, or tab. |
| Include headers | Include column headers as the first row. |
| Encoding | UTF-8 or UTF-8 with BOM (for Excel compatibility). |
Exporting a draft preview
You can export a draft edition before it is approved:
- Open the edition in the Output Designer (preview mode).
- Click Export in the Home ribbon tab.
- Select the format.
- The export is marked as "Draft \u2014 Not for official issue" in the footer.
Scheduling exports (automatic delivery)
For recurring reports, configure an export schedule:
- In the edition settings, click Export Schedule.
- Set the Frequency (weekly, monthly, on edition approval).
- Set the Delivery method (download, email to distribution list, upload to SharePoint/OneDrive).
- Select the Format.
- Save the schedule.
Scheduled exports run automatically when the trigger condition is met.
Good practice
- Use High quality PDF for formal deliverables submitted to clients or authorities.
- Use Excel data-only mode when the consumer needs to reprocess the data in their own tools.
- Do not share draft exports with external parties \u2014 always export from an approved edition.
- Password-protect PDFs containing commercially sensitive or confidential data.