Working with document files
A document file presents information accurate at a single point in time. Using Visualization Platform, you view a document file immediately. The data appearing in the document is not updated when you view a document file.
An Actuate document file presents formatted and structured content from a data source, such as a database, spreadsheet, or text file. An Actuate document file contains data that a user can view and manipulate, using the browser-based Interactive Viewer tool. You can save an Actuate document file in third-party document formats such as Adobe PDF and Microsoft Office formats such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Download third-party files for viewing and editing outside of the Actuate server system. An administrator can store custom file types in a volume. To open a custom file type, use the default viewing software. If multiple or no viewers are available locally for a selected file, choose or download a tool appropriate to open the file.
How to view a document
Select the menu icon next to a BIRT document and choose View Document, as shown in
Figure 2‑16.
Figure 2‑16 File menu options for a document file
The document file appears in the viewer that supports opening the file type you chose, as described in the following list:
Document files such as Adobe PDF or Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint open using the default viewer. For example, Adobe Acrobat Reader is the default viewer for Adobe PDF files.
A BIRT document file opens in the browser-based Actuate Viewer or Interactive Viewer tool.
A BIRT dashboard or gadget file opens in a web browser.
