If you’re using Grafana Open Source, you’ve likely realized it lacks a built-in reporting feature there’s no native way to export dashboards as PDFs or even simple excel nor a way to automate report delivery unless you upgrade to Grafana Enterprise.

This leaves many teams relying on time-consuming workarounds: writing custom scripts, setting up fragile workflows, or resorting to the old method of taking manual screenshots of Grafana dashboards, pasting them into documents, and emailing them repeatedly.

But this manual process is error-prone and inefficient.

• Manually capture the dashboard visuals each time
• Ensure timely delivery
• Double-check the recipients

Even a small error like sending the wrong version or missing a deadline can hurt stakeholder trust or lead to compliance risks.

Many teams turn to Skedler, a powerful Grafana reporting plugin that enables easy, reliable Grafana report generation without code or costly upgrades. Skedler offers a free Grafana reporting option to help you automate the entire workflow: export dashboards to PDF, schedule them, and deliver them to the right people without lifting a finger.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to set up automated Grafana PDF reports in just a few minutes, no scripting, no hassle.

Why Export Grafana OSS Dashboards as PDF Reports?

While Grafana is great for real-time visualization, often you need a static snapshot that you can:

• Share with executives, clients, or auditors.
• Archive for documentation or compliance purposes.
• Regularly track performance trends and ensure compliance and audit readiness.

Doing this manually — taking screenshots, attaching them to emails, managing distribution lists — becomes repetitive, error-prone, and time-consuming.

Each week or month, you face the same cycle: capture, check, send… and hope you didn’t miss anything. Automating Grafana PDF report creation removes this repetitive burden, ensures accuracy, and frees up your time for more strategic work.

Step-by-Step: How to Export a Grafana Dashboard as a PDF Report

Here’s how you can easily create a Grafana PDF report using Skedler:

1. Connect Grafana to Skedler

2. Create a New Visual Report

• Move to the Reports Section in the left panel and click Create Report
• Select Visual Report (for PDF or HTML Inline format).
• Name your report (e.g., “System Performance Weekly Report”).

3. Select the Dashboard

• Choose the Grafana data source and organization.
• Select the dashboard you want to export.

Example: “System Performance” dashboard from the Main Organization for a weekly client report.

4. Choose Report Layout: Snapshot or Smart Layout

Dashboard Snapshot: Exports the dashboard exactly as seen in Grafana, perfect for operational or executive reports.

Snapshot Report: A Sneak Peek

Smart Layout: Custom templates, branding, and additional design options (ideal for advanced needs).

5. Set Theme and Time Range

• Pick Light or Dark theme to match your Grafana dashboard.
• Lock the Time Range (e.g., “Last 7 days”) to avoid inconsistencies when your live dashboard range changes.

6. Schedule the Report

• Select the delivery frequency: Hourly, Daily, Weekly, Monthly, or Yearly.
• Example: Every Friday at 10 AM, to capture a whole week’s performance.

Once scheduled, Skedler will automatically generate and distribute updated reports without manual intervention.

7. Distribute the Report

Skedler lets you distribute reports via:

• Email (attachments or secure download links)
• Slack channels
• Cloud storage (S3 buckets)

You control who gets the reports — no need to manually manage email lists or remember sending deadlines.

What the Final Grafana PDF Report Looks Like

The final output is:

• A clean, professional PDF.
• A faithful snapshot of your Grafana dashboard.
• Updated with the freshest data, based on your set schedule.
• Fresh Copy Delivered to the Configured Recipient.

Conclusion

If you’re tired of repeating manual screenshot tasks, worrying about sending reports on time, and risking errors, it’s time to automate.

Skedler offers a simple, powerful way to export Grafana dashboards as PDF reports, schedule them, and distribute them without any manual work.

✅ No coding
✅ No Enterprise upgrade
✅ No repetitive manual effort

FAQs

Q: Can I customize my PDF reports with branding?
A: Yes! Skedler’s Smart Layout lets you add logos, branded templates, and custom designs.

Q: Can I send reports to multiple stakeholders automatically?
A: Absolutely. Skedler supports multiple recipients across email, Slack, and cloud storage.

Q: Does it support Light and Dark themes?
A: Yes! Skedler automatically adapts to your Grafana dashboard’s theme.