Abstract
VibrationVIEW version 2024 and newer use the software’s built-in Report Builder to generate reports as a docx or PDF file. Formerly, the software exported text reports as an RTF file to Microsoft Word or another word processor. VibrationVIEW’s Report Builder can automatically convert users’ RTF report templates to the VibrationVIEW template (.vvtemplate) so they can save reports as docx or PDF files.
Question
- Can I open/edit my legacy RTF report template in the VibrationVIEW Report Builder?
- Can I still use my legacy RTF templates in Microsoft Word or another word processor?
- Can I open/edit a PDF report in VibrationVIEW Report Builder?
Answer
If you want to open/edit your legacy templates in the VibrationVIEW Report Builder:
VibrationVIEW can automatically convert RTF templates to the VibrationVIEW template without changing the content or formatting.
- Select Report, navigate to Edit Template, and select …More Templates
- Change the file type in the dropdown list to “All Files (*.*).”
A report template folder in the file viewer. The file type dropdown list is at the bottom right, and “All Files (*.*)” is selected.
- Select the RTF template file
- The software will convert the template to a .vvtemplate file and open it in the report editor. A message at the top will appear:
“Notice: Template was automatically converted to a new file with the latest format. Save file to keep changes.”
A converted RTF report template in the VibrationVIEW Report Builder with a notice across the top in yellow.
If you select the View Original button, the software will open the original RTF file in Microsoft Word.
A side-by-side comparison of a legacy RTF template in Microsoft Word (left) and the converted file in the VibrationVIEW Report Builder (right).
- Save the report as a .docx file or PDF
Report templates in the VibrationVIEW Report Builder still use parameter fields that the software replaces with data values. In versions 2024 and newer, the parameter fields appear as {DOCVARIABLE} instead of [PARAM] but function the same as in previous versions.
If you want to continue opening/editing your legacy templates as RTF files in Microsoft Word:
You can still create reports with your legacy templates and open them in Microsoft Word or another word processor.
VibrationVIEW will continue to support the Quick Report feature, where the software opens an RTF report template in Microsoft Word or another word processor. To change the configuration of the Report button to Quick Report, right-click the Report button, navigate to Create Report Action, and select Quick Report or Quick Report with Form.
If you want to open/edit a PDF report in VibrationVIEW:
You can open a PDF report in VibrationVIEW Report Builder via Word.
- In the file explorer, right-click on the PDF file and open it with Word. You may need to select the “Choose another app” option to select Word.
- A notification will appear beginning with the sentence: “Word will now convert your PDF to an editable Word Document.” Select OK.
A example report PDF file opened in Word.
- Save the Word document as a .docx file.
From here, you can follow the directions for opening/editing legacy templates in the VibrationVIEW Report Builder.
- Select Report, navigate to Edit Template, and select …More Templates
- Change the file type in the dropdown list to “All Files (*.*).”
- Select the .docx file. The software will convert the template to a .vvtemplate file and open it in the report editor.