Creating Your First Report
This guide walks you through creating an inspection report from start to finish: opening the Reports tab, using the Report Designer, adding content, and exporting a PDF.
Note
Screenshots show QuickInspect. YachtInspect follows the same workflow with marine-focused terminology.
Step 1: Open the Reports Tab
Tap the Reports tab in the bottom navigation bar. This shows a list of all reports in your current project.
Step 2: Create a New Report
Tap the button to create a new report. You will be prompted to select a template or start with a blank layout.
Tip
If you are just getting started, pick a system template that matches your inspection type (e.g., photo report, progress report, inspection report, or final report). You can customize everything afterward.
Step 3: Open the Report Designer
After creating the report, you enter the Report Designer -- a WYSIWYG drag-and-drop editor with real-time PDF preview.
Key controls in the designer:
- Element palette -- Drag elements onto the canvas
- Canvas -- Arrange and edit your report layout
- PDF preview -- See exactly how the final PDF will look
- Undo / Redo -- Reverse or reapply changes
- Page format -- Choose A4, Letter, or A3 in portrait or landscape orientation
Step 4: Add Elements
The Report Designer offers 13 element types in two categories:
Adjustable Elements
You control the content and layout of these directly:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Text | Rich text content block |
| Heading | Section heading |
| Image | Single image with caption |
| HTML Template | Reusable content block (see Using Templates) |
| Divider | Horizontal line separator |
| Table | Custom data table |
| Table of Contents | Auto-generated from headings |
Predefined (Data-Driven) Elements
These pull data from your project automatically:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Cover Page | Title page with project metadata |
| Findings Table | All findings with statuses, photos, and details |
| Executive Summary | Aggregated project summary |
| Signature Block | Signature capture area |
| Image Table | Grid of project images |
| Product Info Table | Product and checklist data |
Drag any element from the palette onto the canvas and position it where you want it.
Step 5: Preview the PDF
Tap the preview button to see a real-time rendering of how your report will appear as a PDF. Check element positioning, headers, and footers before exporting.
Tip
Use preview frequently as you build your report. The PDF layout may differ from the editor canvas, especially with multi-page reports containing findings tables and image tables.
Step 6: Save and Export
Once you are satisfied with the layout:
- Save your report -- it is stored in your project and synced across devices.
- Export -- Generate the output you need.
Export Options
| Format | Description |
|---|---|
| PDF Report | Full report as designed in the Report Designer |
| Photo Report | Photo-focused export |
| Final Report | Finalized version of the inspection report |
| Excel Export | Structured data export for spreadsheets |
The generated file can be shared via your device's standard sharing options (email, messaging apps, cloud storage, etc.).
What to Do Next
- Using Templates -- Speed up future reports with pre-built templates
- Report Designer -- Learn all 13 element types in detail
- AI Generation -- Use AI to draft content, analyze photos, and suggest layouts
Need Help?
Contact us at support@quickinspect.me or check the Troubleshooting section.