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Export Formats

Understanding PDF, Word, and Excel export options for reports

reportsexportPDFWordExcel

Export Formats

Securtea reports can be exported in multiple formats to suit different use cases.

PDF Format

Overview

PDF (Portable Document Format) is the default export format:

  • Professional, print-ready appearance
  • Fixed formatting across all viewers
  • Includes graphics, charts, and branding
  • Best for official documentation

Features

FeatureSupport
Graphics/Charts✓ Full support
Table of Contents✓ With links
Page Numbers✓ Automatic
Branding✓ Logo and colors
Digital Signatures✓ Optional
Password Protection✓ Optional

Use Cases

Best for:

  • Audit submissions
  • Board presentations
  • Client deliverables
  • Archival storage
  • Regulatory submissions

PDF Options

When exporting to PDF:

OptionDescription
QualityStandard or high-resolution
CompressionReduce file size
PasswordRequire password to open
PermissionsRestrict printing/copying

Word Format (DOCX)

Overview

Microsoft Word format allows customization:

  • Editable text and formatting
  • Add custom content
  • Insert company templates
  • Modify before distribution

Features

FeatureSupport
Editable Text✓ Full editing
Graphics/Charts✓ Editable
Styles✓ Customizable
Headers/Footers✓ Modifiable
Track Changes✓ Enable in Word
Comments✓ Add in Word

Use Cases

Best for:

  • Custom report creation
  • Adding executive commentary
  • Template-based reports
  • Collaborative editing
  • Branding customization

Word Compatibility

Reports are compatible with:

  • Microsoft Word 2016+
  • Microsoft 365
  • Google Docs (with conversion)
  • LibreOffice Writer

Editing Tips

After export:

  1. Update styles - Apply your corporate template
  2. Add letterhead - Insert in header/footer
  3. Customize cover - Add custom cover page
  4. Insert content - Add narrative sections
  5. Review formatting - Check page breaks

Excel Format (XLSX)

Overview

Excel format provides raw data for analysis:

  • Structured data tables
  • Filterable and sortable
  • Pivot table ready
  • Custom calculations

Features

FeatureSupport
Data Tables✓ Full data export
Multiple Sheets✓ Organized by section
Filters✓ Pre-applied
Formulas✓ Summary calculations
Charts✓ Basic charts
Conditional Formatting✓ Status highlighting

Worksheet Structure

Excel exports typically include:

SheetContent
SummaryKey metrics and scores
ControlsControl-by-control results
EvidenceEvidence data references
Drift EventsChange tracking data
Raw DataComplete data dump

Use Cases

Best for:

  • Data analysis
  • Custom reporting
  • Trend calculations
  • Executive dashboards
  • Integration with BI tools

Analysis Tips

After export:

  1. Create pivot tables - Summarize by theme/severity
  2. Add charts - Visualize trends
  3. Filter data - Focus on specific areas
  4. Calculate metrics - Custom KPIs
  5. Combine with other data - Cross-reference sources

Choosing the Right Format

Decision Guide

NeedRecommended Format
Share externallyPDF
Submit to auditorsPDF
Present to boardPDF
Customize contentWord
Add commentaryWord
Apply brandingWord
Analyze dataExcel
Create dashboardsExcel
Trend analysisExcel

Multi-Format Export

Export the same report in multiple formats:

  1. Generate the report once
  2. Download as PDF for sharing
  3. Download as Excel for analysis
  4. Download as Word for customization

Each download uses the same source data.

Format Comparison

Content Comparison

ContentPDFWordExcel
Executive SummaryPartial
Charts/GraphicsBasic
Detailed Tables
Raw DataSummarySummary✓ Full
Evidence Links

File Size Comparison

Typical file sizes:

Report TypePDFWordExcel
Executive Summary500 KB400 KB200 KB
Standard Compliance2-5 MB1-3 MB500 KB
Comprehensive5-15 MB3-10 MB1-3 MB

Advanced Options

Batch Export

Export multiple reports at once:

  1. Go to Reports > History
  2. Select multiple reports
  3. Click Export All
  4. Choose format
  5. Download as ZIP file

API Export

For automation, use the API:

# Example: Export report via API
curl -X POST \
  https://api.securtea.io/v1/reports/{id}/export \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer {token}" \
  -d '{"format": "pdf"}'

Scheduled Exports

Automate regular report generation:

  1. Go to Reports > Schedules
  2. Click Create Schedule
  3. Configure report parameters
  4. Set frequency and recipients
  5. Reports generate and email automatically

Troubleshooting

PDF Issues

Large file size

  • Use standard quality instead of high-resolution
  • Enable compression

Missing fonts

  • Fonts are embedded; contact support if issues persist

Word Issues

Formatting differences

  • Different Word versions may render slightly differently
  • Use Word 2016+ for best results

Missing images

  • Ensure Word is fully loaded before scrolling
  • Try re-downloading

Excel Issues

Data truncation

  • Check cell width settings
  • Some cells may need expanding

Formula errors

  • Reference cells may need adjustment for your locale
  • Check date/number formats

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