Introduction
PDF Templates offer a powerful feature that gives you fine-grain control over the output of your PDF reports. This tool is versatile but can be complex. Take the time to understand its capabilities to fully utilise its potential.
You can also watch a quick tutorial video here:
Definitions
A PDF Report consists of three main sections, each of which may include multiple pages:
Front Section: 1 x Cover Page
Body Section: 1 page per annotation
End Section: 1 x End Page (optional)
The PDF Template Builder allows you to customise each page type. Current customisable page types include:
Cover Page
Default Annotation Page
Annotation Page with Custom Template
End Page
Static vs Dynamic Elements
Static Elements: These remain consistent across every instance of the page. Examples include company logos, copyright notices, or static links.
Dynamic Elements: These vary with each PDF generation, populated with specific data from the current Asset or Annotation (e.g., asset name, annotation description, measurements).
Step-by-Step Guide: Getting Started with the PDF Template Builder
Step 1: Navigating to the PDF Template Builder
Go to the Templates section in the sidebar.
Select PDF Reports to view existing templates or create a new one.
Step 2: Select the Page Type and Open the PDF Template Builder
Choose the page type you want to edit:
Cover Page
Annotation Page
Annotation Page with Custom Template
End Page
For example, if you’re working on a front cover, select the Cover Page.
Open the PDF Template Builder for the specific template you want to edit or create.
Confirm you’re in the correct template by checking the displayed template information.
Step 3: Add Page Elements
Note: Updating Trendspek with your logo and corporate colours is only available on the Pro plan and above. Currently, the logo tool in the report builder references the theme's logo.
Select an item from the dropdown menu to add content to the page. Options include:
Text fields (e.g., date, title)
Static elements (e.g., logos, footers)
Dynamic elements (e.g., asset name, annotation details)
Step 4: Customise the Elements
Use the right-hand panel to configure each element:
Resize and Position: Drag elements to position them or resize by adjusting their corners.
Change Font and Style: Select options for font, size, colour, and other style features.
Toggle Label Visibility: Use the Show Label toggle to show or hide labels on elements.
Bring to Front or Send to Back: Adjust the layer positioning of elements using the "Bring to Front" or "Send to Back" options.
Delete: Remove an element by selecting the delete option.
Undo/Redo Feature: The editor now includes an Undo/Redo feature:
Use Ctrl-Z to undo your last action.
Use Ctrl-Y to redo an undone action.
Click the handy Undo/Redo buttons for quick corrections.
Customisable URL Fields:
For Custom Data Templates, URL fields can now display customisable text instead of the full URL, providing cleaner and more user-friendly outputs.
Step 5: Adjust Page Layout and Margins
Use rulers to position elements precisely on each page.
To adjust the margins, update the value in the Page Margin text box. The rulers will automatically align to the new margin settings, enabling accurate element placement.
Step 6: Preview and Save the Template
Preview your template to ensure all elements are correctly positioned and styled.
Save the template.
Step 7: Apply the Template
🗂️The Generate PDF option now opens in a new tab for better accessibility and to maintain your current workspace
Your template is now ready for use. It will automatically apply all customisations when generating a PDF report.
FAQs
Can I change the page size?
Can I change the page size?
The page size currently defaults to A4 (210x297mm). Support for other page sizes may be added in a future release. If you require an alternative size, please contact customer support.
Can I add extra pages to a page template?
Can I add extra pages to a page template?
Currently, only one page per template and per annotation is supported. Additional pages will be supported in future versions.
Can I have more than one annotation per page template?
Can I have more than one annotation per page template?
Currently, only one annotation per page per template is supported. Additional layouts may be supported in future versions.
Can I adjust the page orientation?
Can I adjust the page orientation?
Changing the page orientation is not available at this time but may be supported in future versions.
Which PDF template will get used on my PDF report?
Which PDF template will get used on my PDF report?
If you look at the Reporting page, the Template column will tell you which Custom Field Template is being used for each annotation.
The PDF Generator will look for the matching PDF Template to render that annotation into the PDF. If one does not exist, it will use the Annotations Default template.
If you have not defined an Annotations Default template, the PDF Generator will use the system default.