How do I set the default format of report to PDF?

In Contractor Foreman, reports can be downloaded in different file formats depending on the type of report you are working with. However, it’s important to understand that there is no system-wide setting that allows you to “set” PDF as the default format for all reports.

Instead, each time you download a report, whether it is a system-generated report or a custom report, you will have the ability to choose the file format before downloading.

Here’s how it works:

Downloading a System Report (Predetermined Report)

When you open any predetermined report under the Reports module, Contractor Foreman will present you with download format options such as:

• CSV
• PDF
• Excel (.xlsx)

You simply select PDF at the moment of download.

Downloading a Custom Report

When creating or viewing a Custom Report:

1. Go to Reports → Create New Custom Report
2. Build or load your custom report
3. Click the option to Download as PDF or Excel

Again, you manually select PDF each time you download the report.

Exceptions

There are a few report types—typically payroll-related reports—where only CSV is available.
This is due to the structure and nature of the data, which requires CSV formatting.

Examples include:

• Payroll exports
• Some timecard summaries
• Labor distribution files

These reports do not allow PDF downloads.

Summary

• Contractor Foreman does not allow setting a global default format for all report downloads.
• You choose the file format (PDF, Excel, or CSV) at the time of download.
• Most reports support PDF; payroll-related reports may only allow CSV.
• Custom and predetermined reports both follow the same workflow.