---
title: "Get started with the PDF Report Builder"
slug: "getting-started-pdf-report-builder"
updated: 2026-09-28T06:23:24Z
published: 2026-09-28T06:23:24Z
canonical: "help.quickbase.com/getting-started-pdf-report-builder"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.quickbase.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Get started with the PDF Report Builder

## Custom PDF Reports

The **Report Builder** allows you to format and embed data into existing Custom PDF Reports. This data is automatically associated with completed form submissions and is displayed based on unique field keys.

## How to access the Report Builder

1. In the Portal, go to **Forms** > **Custom Reports**.
2. On the Custom Reports page, select the green **+ New Report** button (or **Actions** > **Edit** to open an existing report).
3. Select the **form** that you'd like to use for the report and give it a **name**. ![Form selection and report name in the Report Builder](https://cdn.document360.io/dd260e4e-10bb-4b66-8fb3-5504c272b904/Images/Documentation/14852617336973?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-30T08%3A55%3A55Z&se=2026-10-30T09%3A55%3A55Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=os%2BtxdNUhyNME1B1BElJvCH3bTh60a5Y2%2FX7YFZpcTg%3D)

## Upload a PDF template

Once in the Report Builder, you'll need to upload a PDF template for you to build your report on. Select **Upload your PDF** to choose the template you'd like to use for this report. ![Upload your PDF button in the Report Builder](https://cdn.document360.io/dd260e4e-10bb-4b66-8fb3-5504c272b904/Images/Documentation/360093550931?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-30T08%3A55%3A55Z&se=2026-10-30T09%3A55%3A55Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=os%2BtxdNUhyNME1B1BElJvCH3bTh60a5Y2%2FX7YFZpcTg%3D) In the example, we've uploaded a sample Inspection Worksheet for our PDF report template. You'll also need to upload a blank version of your form report (i.e., a template without any data filled out).

## Add field data

In the Report Builder, you'll see the fields that correspond to your form. To start mapping the field data over to your PDF template:

1. Choose a field from the Form Fields menu and select **Add.** This will automatically add the field to your report. ![Add button in the Form Fields menu](https://cdn.document360.io/dd260e4e-10bb-4b66-8fb3-5504c272b904/Images/Documentation/360093577932?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-30T08%3A55%3A55Z&se=2026-10-30T09%3A55%3A55Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=os%2BtxdNUhyNME1B1BElJvCH3bTh60a5Y2%2FX7YFZpcTg%3D)
  - You can also add multiple instances of the same field data in your report by repeating this step.
2. Adjust the size of the field data box and drag and drop the field to place it wherever it coincides with your PDF template. ![Field data box resized and positioned on the PDF template](https://cdn.document360.io/dd260e4e-10bb-4b66-8fb3-5504c272b904/Images/Documentation/360093577752?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-30T08%3A55%3A55Z&se=2026-10-30T09%3A55%3A55Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=os%2BtxdNUhyNME1B1BElJvCH3bTh60a5Y2%2FX7YFZpcTg%3D)
3. Navigate and manage report pages using the page buttons. ![Report page navigation buttons](https://cdn.document360.io/dd260e4e-10bb-4b66-8fb3-5504c272b904/Images/Documentation/360093578872?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-30T08%3A55%3A55Z&se=2026-10-30T09%3A55%3A55Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=os%2BtxdNUhyNME1B1BElJvCH3bTh60a5Y2%2FX7YFZpcTg%3D)

## Preview and publish

Make sure to preview your report by **Preview** > **Test Submission** to ensure optimum results. ![Preview and Test Submission menu for the report](https://cdn.document360.io/dd260e4e-10bb-4b66-8fb3-5504c272b904/Images/Documentation/360093551811?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-30T08%3A55%3A55Z&se=2026-10-30T09%3A55%3A55Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=os%2BtxdNUhyNME1B1BElJvCH3bTh60a5Y2%2FX7YFZpcTg%3D)Your test submission data will populate your form: ![Test submission data populated in the report form](https://cdn.document360.io/dd260e4e-10bb-4b66-8fb3-5504c272b904/Images/Documentation/360093579192?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-30T08%3A55%3A55Z&se=2026-10-30T09%3A55%3A55Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=os%2BtxdNUhyNME1B1BElJvCH3bTh60a5Y2%2FX7YFZpcTg%3D)