Help Center

Welcome to the Outdated.Report Help Center. Here you'll find everything you need to get started and make the most of our AI-powered report generation platform.

Getting Started

What is Outdated.Report?

Outdated.Report is an AI-powered tool that helps you automate repetitive report creation. Upload an existing report as a template, add your source data, and our AI generates a new report matching your format in seconds.

Quick Start Guide

  1. Create an account - Sign up for free at outdated.report/auth/signup
  2. Go to Create - Click "Create" or "New Report" in the navigation
  3. Upload files - Upload your template document and source data files
  4. Chat with AI - The AI Assistant will analyze your files and create a template
  5. Refine with AI - Use the chat to request changes: "Make headers blue", "Add a logo placeholder"
  6. Accept & Classify - Accept the edits and the AI will classify all the fields
  7. Save & Download - Save your template, then download as HTML or PDF

Creating Reports

Step 1: Upload Your Files

Start by uploading two types of files:

  • Template document - An example report showing your desired format (PDF, Excel, Word)
  • Source data - The data files to populate your report (Excel, CSV, JSON, images)

You can upload multiple files at once. The AI Assistant will analyze everything together.

Step 2: Chat with AI Assistant

After uploading, the AI Assistant in the right sidebar will:

  1. Analyze your template structure and styling
  2. Extract and parse your source data
  3. Convert your template to an editable HTML format
  4. Present the template in the visual editor

You can chat with the AI to request changes like "make the header larger" or "use a different font". The AI updates the template in real-time.

Step 3: Accept Edits & Classify Fields

When you're happy with the template:

  1. Click "Accept Edits" in the AI Assistant
  2. The AI automatically analyzes and classifies every field
  3. Fields are categorized as: Static, Dynamic, Manual, or Smart
  4. Review the fields in the left panel's Fields tab

You can adjust field types and configure Smart Fields for calculations or AI content.

Step 4: Save & Generate

Save your template to reuse it with new data:

  1. Click "Save Template" to store your configuration
  2. Generate reports by selecting your template and uploading new data
  3. Download completed reports as HTML or PDF

Your template is saved with all field mappings, so future reports are generated instantly.

Visual Editor

The Design Panel

The visual editor uses GrapesJS, a powerful drag-and-drop editor. In Design mode, you can:

  • Drag and drop elements like text, images, and sections
  • Click on any element to select and style it
  • Use the right panel to adjust typography, colors, spacing, and more
  • Add your company logo by clicking image placeholders

The Fields Panel

After accepting your template edits, a Fields tab appears. This shows all identified fields in your template:

  • Dynamic fields - Auto-populated from your source data
  • Static fields - Fixed values that stay the same
  • Manual fields - Values you provide each time
  • Smart fields - Calculated or AI-generated values

Hover over a field in the panel to highlight it in the template. Click to select and edit its properties.

The Data Panel

The Data tab shows all columns from your source data files. Use this when creating Smart Fields to reference the correct column names:

  • See all available columns grouped by source file
  • View sample values to identify the right column
  • Click the copy button to copy the {{column_name}} reference
  • Use copied references in Smart Field formulas

Switching Between Panels

Use the toggle buttons at the top of the left sidebar to switch between:

  1. Design - Visual editing with blocks and styling
  2. Fields - Review and configure field mappings
  3. Data - Reference source data columns

Smart Fields

What are Smart Fields?

Smart Fields are special fields that can calculate values or use AI to generate content. They're perfect for:

  • Totals and subtotals
  • Percentage calculations
  • Date formatting
  • AI-generated summaries or analysis

Calculation Mode

Use calculation mode for mathematical operations. Reference your source data columns using the {{column_name}} syntax:

  • {{quantity}} * {{unit_price}} - Multiply two columns
  • {{total}} - {{discount}} - Subtract values
  • {{revenue}} / {{cost}} * 100 - Calculate percentages

Use the Data panel to find the exact column names from your source files.

AI Prompt Mode

Use AI prompt mode to generate content based on your data:

  • "Summarize the key findings from the data"
  • "Generate a professional executive summary"
  • "Create recommendations based on the performance metrics"

The AI will analyze your source data and generate appropriate content each time you create a new report.

Converting Fields to Smart Fields

  1. Go to the Fields panel
  2. Click on any field to expand its options
  3. Change the field type to "Smart"
  4. Choose "Calculation" or "AI Prompt" mode
  5. Enter your formula or prompt
  6. Save your template

Using Templates

What are Templates?

Templates are saved report formats that you can reuse. When you generate a report that you like, you can save it as a template to use again with different data.

Saving a Template

  1. Generate a report that matches your needs
  2. In the preview, click "Save as Template"
  3. Give it a name and optional description
  4. Click Save

Your template will be available in the My Templates tab.

Using a Saved Template

  1. Go to the My Templates tab
  2. Find your saved template
  3. Click "Use"
  4. Upload your new source data
  5. Generate your report

The AI will use your saved template as the format, so you don't need to upload the original example file again.

Editing Templates

You can edit your saved templates at any time:

  1. Go to the My Templates tab
  2. Click the three-dot menu on any template
  3. Select "Edit"
  4. Use the visual editor to modify the layout
  5. Save your changes

Supported File Formats

Template Files

FormatExtensionNotes
PDF.pdfBest for visual templates - AI can see the exact layout
Excel.xlsx, .xlsGreat for tabular reports
Word.docxGood for text-heavy documents
CSV.csvSimple tabular data

Source Data Files

FormatExtensionNotes
Excel.xlsx, .xlsRecommended for structured data
CSV.csvSimple comma-separated data
JSON.jsonStructured data exports
Text.txtPlain text content
Images.png, .jpg, .jpegLogos, signatures, photos

AI Assistant Sidebar

The AI Assistant

The AI Assistant appears in the right sidebar throughout the template creation process. It helps you at every step:

  • File Analysis - The AI analyzes your uploaded files automatically
  • Template Conversion - Converts your example document to editable HTML
  • Real-time Refinements - Chat to request changes to your template
  • Field Classification - Automatically identifies and classifies fields

Chatting with AI

You can chat with the AI to refine your template at any time:

  • "Make the header blue instead of gray"
  • "Add a summary section at the top"
  • "Make the table more compact"
  • "Change the font to be more professional"
  • "Add a placeholder for a company logo"

The AI updates the visual editor in real-time as you chat.

Accept Edits

When you're satisfied with your template:

  1. Click the Accept Edits button in the AI Assistant
  2. The AI will analyze and classify all fields in your template
  3. The sidebar will switch to show field information and Smart Field suggestions
  4. The left panel will gain Fields and Data tabs

Design Mode

For direct visual changes, use the Design panel in the left sidebar:

  • Drag and drop elements to rearrange layout
  • Click elements to select and style them
  • Use the right panel for detailed styling options

Downloading Reports

Download Options

When viewing or editing a report, click the Download button to see available formats:

  • Download as HTML - Get the raw HTML file that can be opened in any browser
  • Download as PDF - Get a formatted PDF document ready for printing or sharing

Editing Before Download

You can edit your generated reports before downloading:

  1. Go to My Reports
  2. Click the three-dot menu on any report
  3. Select Edit
  4. Make your changes in the visual editor
  5. Click Save Changes
  6. Click Download and choose your format

PDF Quality Tips

For best PDF results:

  • Use web-safe fonts that render consistently
  • Keep images at reasonable sizes (under 2MB each)
  • Test the PDF output before sharing important documents
  • For complex layouts, consider using HTML and printing to PDF from your browser

Account & Billing

Free Plan

  • 3 reports per month
  • 3 saved templates
  • 5MB file upload limit
  • Community support

No credit card required to start.

Pro Plan ($29/month)

  • 50 reports per month
  • 25 saved templates
  • 25MB file upload limit
  • Priority support
  • Advanced AI refinements

Managing Your Subscription

Go to Settings → Billing to:

  • View your current plan
  • Upgrade to Pro
  • Manage payment methods
  • View billing history

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my data secure?

Yes. All data is encrypted in transit and at rest. We process files securely and don't store your source files longer than necessary for generation. See our Privacy Policy for details.

What happens to my files after generation?

Uploaded files are processed temporarily and deleted after your report is generated. Your generated reports are stored in your account until you delete them.

Can I use my company logo?

Yes! Upload your logo as a source file (PNG or JPG). The AI will detect it's an image and include it in your generated report.

How accurate is the AI?

The AI is highly capable but not perfect. Always review generated reports before using them. You can use the AI chat or edit mode to correct any issues.

Can I export to PDF?

Yes! Click the Download button when editing a report and select "Download as PDF". The PDF is generated automatically with proper formatting and multi-page support for longer documents.

What are Smart Fields?

Smart Fields are special fields that calculate values or use AI to generate content. Use them for totals, percentages, summaries, or any derived content. You can create formulas like {{price}} * {{quantity}} or AI prompts like "Summarize the key findings."

Can I edit reports after they're generated?

Yes! Go to My Reports, click the three-dot menu on any report, and select "Edit". This opens the visual editor where you can make changes, then save and download.

What if I need more than 50 reports/month?

Contact us at sales@outdated.report for Enterprise pricing with unlimited reports.

Still Need Help?

Contact our support team at support@outdated.report