Charts are visual summaries of plant data, and you often need to share them outside Operator10—attach to emails, embed in presentations, print for council meetings, or archive for historical reference. Export charts in Operator10 to PDF, Excel, image, and HTML formats instead of taking screenshots that lose quality and metadata.
Why export charts?
Screenshots work in a pinch but introduce problems: low resolution, inconsistent sizing, no metadata, and manual cropping. Export charts natively preserves full resolution, maintains aspect ratio, and generates clean files optimized for each format. PDFs are vector-based for crisp printing. Excel exports include underlying data. Images work for PowerPoint or Word. HTML embeds in web pages. Each format serves specific use cases better than screenshots.
How to export charts
Open the chart you want to share in Operator10. Look for the Export button in the toolbar (icon might be a downward arrow or floppy disk, depending on version). Click Export, and a dialog appears asking which format you want: PDF, Excel (XLS/XLSX), Image (PNG/JPEG/BMP), or HTML. Select your format, choose a save location, name the file, and click Save. Operator10 generates the file and saves it to your chosen location, ready to attach or distribute.
PDF export for reports and printing
Export charts to PDF when you need high-quality prints or want to embed charts in formal reports. PDFs are vector-based (when the chart is vector data), meaning they scale without pixelation. A chart exported as PDF looks crisp whether viewed on a phone screen or printed as a 24″ poster. PDFs also preserve chart metadata like titles, axis labels, and legends exactly as configured in Operator10. Email PDFs to supervisors, regulators, or council members for professional presentation.
Excel export for data analysis
Export charts to Excel when you want the chart image plus the underlying data. Operator10 includes both in the Excel file: a visual representation of the chart on one sheet, and a data table on another showing the values plotted on the chart. This lets recipients analyze data further, create their own charts, or verify calculations without accessing Operator10. Excel export is ideal for engineers, consultants, or auditors who need raw data alongside visualizations.
Image export for presentations
Export charts as images (PNG, JPEG, BMP) for PowerPoint presentations, Word documents, or website graphics. PNG offers lossless compression and transparency support, making it ideal for overlaying charts on other backgrounds. JPEG compresses more aggressively, reducing file size but potentially losing detail—use JPEG for photos, PNG for charts. BMP is uncompressed and large; avoid unless specifically required. Image exports embed easily in non-PDF documents and render quickly in presentation software.
HTML export for web pages or intranets
Export charts to HTML when you want to embed them in web pages, internal dashboards, or intranet sites. HTML export creates a standalone file that includes the chart image and often interactive elements (depending on Operator10 version). You can upload the HTML file to a web server or embed it in a content management system. This format works for sharing charts with remote teams or posting to internal portals where stakeholders check plant performance metrics.
Choose image resolution for quality vs file size
When exporting to image formats, Operator10 may prompt you to select resolution or DPI (dots per inch). Higher DPI produces sharper images but larger file sizes. For screen display (emails, web), 96-150 DPI is sufficient. For printing, use 300 DPI or higher. Balance quality needs with file size constraints, especially if emailing charts over slow connections or size-limited email servers.
Batch export multiple charts
If you need to export several charts for a monthly report, save time by opening each chart, exporting it with a consistent naming convention (“Chart1_InfluentBOD.pdf,” “Chart2_EffluentTSS.pdf”), and storing all exports in one folder. Some workflows involve creating all needed charts at the start of the month, exporting them immediately, then inserting the exported files into Word or PowerPoint templates for final report assembly. This assembly-line approach saves hours during busy reporting periods.
Export for archival and historical records
Regulatory compliance often requires retaining charts showing historical trends. Export charts to PDF annually or quarterly and store them in a digital archive with backups. If Operator10 data ever needs restoration or migration, you’ll have visual proof of historical performance even if raw data is temporarily inaccessible. PDFs are self-contained and viewable without Operator10, making them ideal for long-term archival.
Email charts to stakeholders
After exporting, attach the file to an email and send it to whoever needs it: plant manager, regulatory contact, engineering consultant, or city council member. Include a brief summary in the email body (“Attached is Q4 effluent quality trend chart showing 100% compliance”) and link to the exported file. Recipients open the PDF or image in standard software without needing Operator10 access.
Embed in custom reports
Some plants build custom Word or Excel report templates where charts are inserted monthly. Export each chart at the start of the reporting period, then drag the exported files into the template at designated spots. This semi-automated workflow combines Operator10’s data visualization with customized narrative sections, executive summaries, and conclusions written in Word.
Why export beats screenshots
Screenshots require manual cropping, lose resolution on some displays, and don’t include metadata. Export chartspreserves full quality, maintains proper formatting, and produces professional files ready for distribution. It’s faster, cleaner, and more reliable for sharing plant data visualizations.
Next Steps: Share Operator10 charts professionally with export tools →
