The Dashboard Format determines how your report is laid out, presented, and exported in the Rubii dashboard. When creating or editing a dashboard, you can choose the format that best suits your reporting needs from the Select Dashboard Format dialog.
Rubii offers three formats: Canvas, Slides, and A4 Document. Each is designed for a different reporting workflow, from free-form exploratory layouts to polished, print-ready deliverables.
Selecting a Format
There are two ways to select a dashboard format:
1. When creating a new dashboard
When you create a new dashboard, you will be prompted to choose a format from the Select Dashboard Format dialog. Click the card for your preferred layout, then select Apply Format. The currently selected format is highlighted and marked with a tick. To exit without making changes, select Cancel.
2. From an existing dashboard
If you already have a dashboard using the A4 Document or Slides format, you can switch to another format from Global Settings. Under Size, select the format you want to apply.
Note: This option is not available for Canvas dashboards, as the Canvas format cannot be changed once applied.
Available Formats
1. Canvas
- An infinitely scrollable workspace, ideal for free-form layouts and exploratory reporting where you are not constrained by page boundaries.
- Exportable to PDF only.
- Note: Once a dashboard is set to Canvas, it cannot be changed to another format. Choose this option only when you are certain you will not need Slides or A4 output later.
2. Slides
- A presentation-ready 16:9 format, suited to client-facing decks and on-screen walkthroughs.
- Supports Presentation Mode for delivering your report on screen.
- Exportable to PDF or PowerPoint.
3. A4 Document
- A print-ready standard format that follows the conventional A4 page size, ideal for formal, printable reports.
- Print Optimised for clean output on paper.
- Exportable to PDF or PowerPoint.
Comparing the Formats
| Feature | Canvas | Slides | A4 Document |
|---|---|---|---|
| Layout | Infinitely scrollable | 16:9 presentation | A4 page |
| Export options | PDF only | PDF or PowerPoint | PDF or PowerPoint |
| Special mode | Infinite Scroll | Presentation Mode | Print Optimised |
| Can switch to another format later | No | Yes | Yes |
Tips for Choosing a Format
- Choose Canvas when you want maximum flexibility for layout and exploration, and you only need PDF output. Remember that this choice is permanent for that dashboard.
- Choose Slides when you intend to present your report on screen or share it as a PowerPoint deck.
- Choose A4 Document when your report needs to be printed or distributed as a standard, page-based document.
- If you are unsure whether you might need to switch formats later, avoid Canvas, as it cannot be converted to Slides or A4 Document once applied.