Working with document files
A document file presents information accurate at a single point in time. Using Information Console, 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 Actuate Viewer or Interactive Viewer.
*A cube view file opens in Interactive Crosstabs.
BIRT document files and cube view files do not support data sources that use data security rules. Your system administrator or report developer can tell you if a data source uses data security rules.