PDF Generation Tutorial
QuickInspect and YachtInspect let you export your inspection reports in multiple formats. This tutorial covers page format options, styling, preview, and the four export types: PDF, Photo Report, Final Report, and Excel.
Page Format Options
Before generating your export, configure the page format in the Report Designer:
- Page size: A4, Letter, or A3
- Orientation: Portrait or Landscape
- Margins: Adjustable margins on all four sides
- Headers and footers: Include company logo, custom text, or page numbers
- Page number position: Bottom-left, bottom-center, or bottom-right
To access these settings, open the layout configuration in the Report Designer toolbar.
Tip
A4 portrait is the most common format for inspection reports. Use landscape orientation when your report contains wide tables or image grids that benefit from extra horizontal space.
Styling Options
Configure the visual appearance of your exported documents:
- Colors: primary, secondary, accent, header background, and table header colors
- Fonts: separate heading and body fonts
- Font sizes: configurable for headings and body text
- Company logo: appears on cover pages and/or headers
- Custom header/footer text: displayed on every page
Company branding (logo and colors) is pulled from your company profile settings, ensuring consistent branding across all reports.
Generating a Preview
- Open your report in the Report Designer (via the Reports tab).
- Tap the Preview button in the toolbar.
- The system generates a live PDF preview showing exactly how the exported document will look.
- Navigate through multi-page previews using the page controls.
The preview uses the same rendering engine as the final export. It loads images in parallel and applies compression (maximum 1200x1200 pixels, JPEG quality 80) for optimal file size.
Note
The preview reflects all your current elements, styling, and layout settings. What you see in the preview is what you get in the final export.
Export Types
PDF Report
The standard export format. Generates a multi-page PDF document containing all elements in your report -- text, tables, findings, images, cover page, signatures, and table of contents. Includes company branding, headers, footers, and page numbers.
Photo Report
A focused export that presents all photos associated with the report in a structured layout. Useful when you need a standalone document of visual evidence from an inspection.
Final Report
A comprehensive export intended as the definitive version of the inspection report. This combines all report content into a polished, branded document.
Excel Export
Exports report data (findings, tables, product information) into a spreadsheet format for further analysis, filtering, or integration with other tools.
How the PDF Engine Works
The PDF generation engine handles several tasks automatically:
- Parallel asset loading: Images and resources are loaded simultaneously for faster generation
- Image compression: Photos are compressed to a maximum of 1200x1200 pixels at JPEG quality 80
- Multi-page flow: Content automatically flows across pages
- Branding: Company logo, colors, and footer text are applied consistently throughout
Exporting Your Report
- With your report open, tap the Export button.
- Select the export type: PDF, Photo Report, Final Report, or Excel.
- The system generates the file.
- Save, share, or send the exported file from your device.
Tip
Generate a preview first to verify everything looks correct before creating the final export.
Next Steps
- Learn to build reports in the Report Designer Tutorial
- Use AI to help assemble reports in the AI Tools Tutorial
- Master photo workflows in the Photo Documentation Tutorial