How to export your Google Data Studio report to a PDF

Google has a super cool new reporting tool, Data Studio that lets you create stunning reports based on Google Analytics Data. However, it has yet to have an export to pdf option. In the meantime, while we wait for them to make one, we've created a guide on how to get around it. If you don't know about Google Data Studio, definitely check it out!

First, what's Data Studio?

Data Studio provides users a simple-to-use interface to quickly visualize data from Google Analytics. It even includes data from other sources like Google Sheets, YouTube Analytics and Facebook. At ArcStone we love using Data Studio to bring clients to greater understanding about their marketing efforts and website performance, more efficiently than ever before. 

With Data Studio, you can:

• Easily connect to a variety of data sources
• Visualize your data through attractive, dynamic and interactive dashboards
• Share and collaborate with others, just as you can in Google Drive

The interactive nature of Data Studio is really powerful and can be referenced from any device as long as you have the link and an internet connection. However, sometimes it makes sense to have a print piece to reference, mail out, or scribble notes on.

So, here is how you can export a report form Data Studio to a PDF.

Step 1: Use your browser's print function. Hit ⌘+P 

Step 2: Click "Open PDF in Preview"

This will open iOS' Preview app, but be aware this will only happen on the page you are currently viewing in Data Studio. If you have a multiple-page report you will need to repeat these first two steps for each page. If you have a single page report, jump to Step 5 and you're done! If you have a multiple-page report, keep reading.

Step 3: In Preview, enable the thumbnail view 

This step is important because it will allow us to bring your reports into one file by binding them together.

Step 4: Click and drag your pages into the thumbnail sidebar in Preview 

Pictured above are two reports that we want to bind together. We will grab one page and drop it into the other Preview window. This will close the inactive Preview window. You can also order your pages as you see fit within Preview.

Step 5: Export as PDF from Preview, or Save As PDF 

After selecting the export feature in Preview you can save your report as a PDF on your device, and pat yourself on the back because you're the smartest!

Are you considering a marketing campaign or a website redesign? Contact us at ArcStone and we'll show you how you can make the most of your efforts with Data Studio and more!