Export Formats
Understanding PDF, Word, and Excel export options for reports
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
| Feature | Support |
|---|---|
| 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:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Quality | Standard or high-resolution |
| Compression | Reduce file size |
| Password | Require password to open |
| Permissions | Restrict printing/copying |
High-resolution PDFs include sharper graphics but larger file sizes.
Word Format (DOCX)
Overview
Microsoft Word format allows customization:
- Editable text and formatting
- Add custom content
- Insert company templates
- Modify before distribution
Features
| Feature | Support |
|---|---|
| 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:
- Update styles - Apply your corporate template
- Add letterhead - Insert in header/footer
- Customize cover - Add custom cover page
- Insert content - Add narrative sections
- 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
| Feature | Support |
|---|---|
| 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:
| Sheet | Content |
|---|---|
| Summary | Key metrics and scores |
| Controls | Control-by-control results |
| Evidence | Evidence data references |
| Drift Events | Change tracking data |
| Raw Data | Complete data dump |
Use Cases
Best for:
- Data analysis
- Custom reporting
- Trend calculations
- Executive dashboards
- Integration with BI tools
Analysis Tips
After export:
- Create pivot tables - Summarize by theme/severity
- Add charts - Visualize trends
- Filter data - Focus on specific areas
- Calculate metrics - Custom KPIs
- Combine with other data - Cross-reference sources
Choosing the Right Format
Decision Guide
| Need | Recommended Format |
|---|---|
| Share externally | |
| Submit to auditors | |
| Present to board | |
| Customize content | Word |
| Add commentary | Word |
| Apply branding | Word |
| Analyze data | Excel |
| Create dashboards | Excel |
| Trend analysis | Excel |
Multi-Format Export
Export the same report in multiple formats:
- Generate the report once
- Download as PDF for sharing
- Download as Excel for analysis
- Download as Word for customization
Each download uses the same source data.
Format Comparison
Content Comparison
| Content | Word | Excel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Executive Summary | ✓ | ✓ | Partial |
| Charts/Graphics | ✓ | ✓ | Basic |
| Detailed Tables | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Raw Data | Summary | Summary | ✓ Full |
| Evidence Links | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
File Size Comparison
Typical file sizes:
| Report Type | Word | Excel | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Executive Summary | 500 KB | 400 KB | 200 KB |
| Standard Compliance | 2-5 MB | 1-3 MB | 500 KB |
| Comprehensive | 5-15 MB | 3-10 MB | 1-3 MB |
Advanced Options
Batch Export
Export multiple reports at once:
- Go to Reports > History
- Select multiple reports
- Click Export All
- Choose format
- 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:
- Go to Reports > Schedules
- Click Create Schedule
- Configure report parameters
- Set frequency and recipients
- 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
What's Next?
- Report History - Manage past reports
- Generating Reports - Create new reports
- Evidence Collection - Related evidence management