How to Add Tables to Your Spectora Report or Template

Adding tables to your Spectora inspection reports is a great way to organize and present information clearly and efficiently. Tables allow you to arrange data in a structured manner, making it easier for clients to understand key details of the inspection. Whether you're outlining maintenance schedules, listing component specifications, or summarizing issues, a well-organized table can enhance the professionalism of your report.

Why Use Tables in Inspection Reports?

Tables provide several advantages:

Clarity: They make complex data more digestible.
Efficiency: Tables condense information, making it easy for clients to review at a glance.
Customization: You can use tables to emphasize specific aspects of an inspection, such as severity levels, recommendations, or timelines.

Adding a Table to a Comment in Your Template

In this section, you'll see how to add a table into a comment on your template easily.

Click "Templates"
Click "My Templates" in the top right corner
Select your template in the dropdown menu
Click on a section in the left column to open it
Click on an item in the middle column to open it
Click on a comment in the right column to open it
Click the table/spreadsheet icon to insert a table in your comment text box
Select how many rows and columns you want in your table
Your table will now appear in the comment box
Click on each cell to enter information

Adding a Table to Your Comments in a Report

In this section, we'll show you how to add a table into a comment on your inspection report.

Click on the inspection to open the Inspection Details page
Click "Edit" below the report name to open the web editor
Click on a section in the left column to open it
Click on an item in the middle column to open it
Click on a comment in the right column to open it
Click the table/spreadsheet icon to insert a table in your comment text box
Select how many rows and columns you want in your table
Your table will now appear in the comment box
Click on each cell to enter information

Customizing Your Tables

In this section, we'll walk you through the different customizations available for your table.

To start customizing your table, first click on a cell
To add a header to your table, click the "Table Header" icon
To add a footer, click the "Table Footer" icon
Click the trash can icon to delete the entire table
To insert or delete a row from the table, click the "Row" icon and select an option from the dropdown menu
To insert or delete a column from the table, click the "Column" icon and select an option from the dropdown menu
Click the "Table Style" icon to add dashed borders or alternating color rows to your table
Click the "Cell" icon to merge or split cells
Click the paint can icon to add a background color to a cell
Click the "Vertical Alignment" icon to have your text aligned to the top, middle, or bottom of the cell
Click the "Horizontal Alignment" icon to have your text aligned to the left, center, right, or justified of the cell
Click the "Cell Style" icon to have the cell border highlighted or thickened

Best Practices for Using Tables

Keep it Simple: Don’t overwhelm your clients with overly complex tables. Stick to relevant information that adds value.
Consistent Formatting: Use uniform font styles and sizes to maintain a professional appearance.
Limit Column Count: Keep your tables narrow enough to avoid cutting off text or requiring horizontal scrolling.
Label Columns and Rows Clearly: Ensure each column and row is properly labeled to avoid confusion.

Incorporating tables into your Spectora reports can significantly enhance the clarity and professionalism of your inspection presentations. With just a few simple steps, you can make your reports more engaging and informative for your clients. Make sure to follow best practices for readability and layout to maximize the impact of your tables.

If you have any questions or feedback, write into our chat bubble or email support@spectora.com!