PDF Layout Options

What this helps you do: Fine-tune PDF reports so they’re easy to read, client-friendly, and not visually overwhelming, even for large reports.

Before you start

You must be downloading a report in PDF format (Condensed or Rich).

How it works

PDF layout options control how content is spaced and displayed in the downloaded file.

These settings affect presentation only—not which bills or meetings appear.

Layout options are available when selecting PDF from the Download menu.

Page breaks between bills

When enabled, each bill starts on a new page.

This prevents a single bill from being split across pages.

When to use page breaks

  • Client-facing packets

  • Reports with long bill summaries

  • Any situation where readability matters

Line breaks vs paragraph spacing

This option controls how bill summaries and text fields are formatted.

  • Line breaks (compact)

    • Dense, space-efficient

    • Best for large reports

  • Paragraph spacing (spaced)

    • Easier to read

    • Better for polished presentations

Font size

Font size controls the overall scale of text in the PDF.

Tips for font size

  • Smaller fonts → more content per page

  • Larger fonts → easier scanning and reading

If a report feels too long, reduce font size before removing content.

Margins

Margins control the white space around content.

  • Narrow margins fit more content per page

  • Wider margins improve readability

This is especially helpful for printed reports.

Line spacing

Line spacing adjusts the vertical distance between lines of text.

  • Tighter spacing → shorter documents

  • Looser spacing → more readable documents

Pair line spacing adjustments with font size for best results.

How these options work together

For large reports:

  • Smaller font

  • Tighter line spacing

  • No page breaks

For client-ready reports:

  • Page breaks enabled

  • Moderate font size

  • Comfortable spacing

Tips

  • Adjust layout before removing fields.

  • Save different reports if you need very different PDF styles.

  • Use preview feedback to avoid trial-and-error downloads.

Common questions

Do these settings affect Word or Excel downloads?
No. PDF layout options apply only to PDF outputs.

Can I save different PDF layouts for the same report?
Not within a single report. Create separate saved reports if needed.

Why does my PDF look different from the preview?
The preview reflects content and order, but final spacing is applied at download.