# Exporting Data from Gladstone Reporting

HTML version: [Exporting Data from Gladstone Reporting](https://support.gladstonesoftware.cloud/kb/gladstone-reporting-exporting-data)

## Problem

You want to export information from Gladstone Reporting for further analysis, sharing or use outside the reporting application.

## Resolution

### Can I export data from Gladstone Reporting?

**Gladstone Reporting allows qualifying Widgets and reports to be exported in a range of formats, including CSV, Excel, PDF and image formats.**

The export options available depend on the type of Widget or report being viewed.

Once data has been exported, the exported file is no longer connected to Gladstone Reporting and will not automatically update when the underlying reporting data changes.

### How do I export data from a Widget or report?

To access the available export options:

1. Open the Dashboard or Drill Down containing the information you want to export.
2. Move your cursor over the relevant Widget or report.
3. Select the **Options** button, represented by three horizontal dots in the top-right corner.
4. Select the appropriate export option.

The available export formats depend on the type of report being exported.

### Which export formats are available?

Depending on the Widget or report, available formats can include:

- **CSV** — suitable for exporting underlying data for further analysis.
- **Excel** — available for supported table-based reports.
- **PDF** — suitable for sharing a formatted representation of reporting content.
- **Image** — available for supported charts and graphical Widgets.

Not every export format is available for every Widget type.

### When is the Excel export option available?

**Excel export is available for supported table-based Widgets that use merged rows, such as Pivot Tables.**

When exporting a supported Pivot Table to Excel, you can choose how repeating values are represented:

- **Repeat rows** — repeating row values are written into each applicable cell.
- **Merge rows** — cells containing repeating row values are merged.

Choose the option that best suits how you intend to use the exported data.

### Should I use Excel or CSV for large data exports?

**CSV is generally more suitable for large raw-data exports because it does not contain the additional formatting applied to an Excel workbook.**

Excel exports provide formatted output but may take longer to generate where large amounts of data are involved.

Where the primary requirement is to analyse or process a large volume of raw reporting data, consider using CSV.

### Why doesn't my exported file update when Gladstone Reporting changes?

**An exported file is a snapshot of the reporting information at the time the export was generated.**

The exported file does not maintain a live connection to Gladstone Reporting or the underlying Reporting Data Layer.

If updated information is required, return to Gladstone Reporting and generate a new export.

## Notes

- Available export options vary according to the Widget or report type.
- Excel export is only available for supported table-based reports.
- CSV is generally preferable where a large volume of raw data is required.
- Exported data represents the information available at the time the export is generated and does not update automatically.
- Filters applied to the report can affect the information included in an export. Review the active filters before exporting data.