> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.smaq.io/documentation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.smaq.io/documentation/features/reports/generate-from-dashboard.md).

# Generate report from dashboard

**Generate Report AI** reads a dashboard, has the AI write a narrative for every chart, and arranges everything into a structured slide deck. The result is editable, themeable, and exportable.

> **\[Screen video needed]** Full flow from a configured dashboard through Generate Report AI click → progress overlay → landing in the report editor. \~75 seconds.

### Steps

#### 1. Get your dashboard right first

The report reflects the dashboard **exactly as it is** when you click Generate. Before generating:

* Set the correct **date range** in the dashboard header.
* Apply any **filters** you want represented (or remove ones you don't).
* Hide charts you don't want in the report (Edit mode → toggle visibility on each widget).
* Verify chart **titles** are clear — the AI uses them as narrative anchors.

> **\[Screenshot needed]** Dashboard in View mode with the date range set to "April 2026" and a regional filter applied, ready for report generation.

#### 2. Pick a report theme (optional)

By default, the report uses your project's default report theme.

To customize:

1. **Settings → Report Theme** in the project.
2. Either upload a PowerPoint template (.pptx) and SMAQ extracts the style, or pick from the built-in themes.
3. Save.

You can also override per-report from the report page after generation. See [Report themes](/documentation/features/reports/report-themes.md).

> **\[Screenshot needed]** Settings → Report Theme tab with a custom uploaded template and preview pane.

#### 3. Generate

Click **Generate Report AI** in the dashboard header. A progress overlay shows the AI working — usually 30–60 seconds.

When done, you're redirected to the report editor.

> **\[Screenshot needed]** Generate Report AI button highlighted in the dashboard header.

#### 4. Edit the report

In the report editor:

* **Reorder slides** by dragging.
* **Edit text** — titles, body text, section headers.
* **Delete slides** you don't need.
* **Re-run AI** on a specific slide to regenerate its narrative.
* **Add new sections** or text blocks.

> **\[Screenshot needed]** Report editor with the slide list, edit pane, and one chart preview visible.

#### 5. Export

Click **Export** in the top-right. Choose:

* **PowerPoint (.pptx)** — editable in PowerPoint, Keynote, Google Slides.
* **PDF** — read-only.

The file downloads to your machine. The layout, fonts, and chart styles match your report theme.

> **\[Screenshot needed]** Exported .pptx opened in PowerPoint showing two slides.

### Tips

* **Lock the date range before generating.** A report based on "Last 7 days" reads completely differently from one for "Last 90 days." Pick deliberately.
* **Re-generate, don't rebuild.** If the dashboard changes, click Generate Report AI again — it overwrites the previous report. Faster than editing slide by slide.
* **Don't use auto-generated reports as final, unedited.** The AI's first draft is 80% there. Edit titles and key paragraphs for voice, accuracy, and your business's specific context before sending.
* **Use Re-run AI sparingly.** Once a slide is well-edited, re-running discards your edits.

### When to use Dashboard Summary instead

If you want recurring weekly/monthly summaries by email rather than a one-off polished deliverable, use a [Dashboard Summary automation](/documentation/features/automations/dashboard-summary.md). Reports are one-shot, polished, exportable. Dashboard Summaries are recurring, narrative-only, email-only.

### Related

* [Reports overview](/documentation/features/reports.md).
* [Report themes](/documentation/features/reports/report-themes.md).
* [Dashboard Summary](/documentation/features/automations/dashboard-summary.md) — recurring alternative.
* [Generate your first report (tutorial)](/documentation/get-started/tutorials/generate-your-first-report.md).