Banded Report Writer Pro Pro

Professional PDF reports with images, watermarks, snippets, parameters, scheduling, SQL data sources and built-in tutorials.

Pro extends the free Banded Report Writer — install free first, then unlock advanced features.

✓ Odoo 19 Community ✓ Odoo 19 Enterprise

Try it now

To help get started visit our YouTube channel for tutorials:  https://www.youtube.com/@WilsonWorks-e8n

Background

The Banded Report Writer was created for Odoo business analysts, implementers, and users — anyone who has ever needed a custom report. As experienced Odoo functional experts ourselves, we understand the need for accessible reporting tools. Standard Odoo reporting relies on QWeb, a developer-centric templating system. While Odoo has moved away from wkhtmltopdf toward newer rendering engines, the underlying architecture remains complex, making report writing challenging for most functional users. Other attempts have been made, e.g. Pentaho Reporter which was Java-based, but none have been native to Odoo. That’s why we built this module. Banded Report Writer is a pure-Python Odoo report writer designed to put the power of beautiful, professional reports back in the hands of the people who understand the business — not just the developers. This app is for you: whether you’re creating your first report or building complex grouped summaries with dynamic images and scheduled delivery, everything you need is here. We hope you’ll not only use it to solve your own reporting challenges, but also share your reports in our growing community library so that everyone benefits.

The Pro module extends that foundation with everything power users need: images, watermarks, snippet libraries, runtime parameters, SQL data sources, scheduled delivery, and Print & Send. We hope you’ll not only use it to solve your own reporting challenges, but also share your reports in our growing community library so that everyone benefits.

Who Is This For?

👔 Functional Consultants Deliver corporate-branded reports with images, watermarks, and snippets — no developer required.

📊 Business Analysts Add SQL data sources, runtime parameters, and scheduled email delivery to client-ready PDFs.

⚡ Power Users Automate report runs, expand/collapse JSON sections, and build snippet libraries for reuse.

🤝 Odoo Partners Ship enterprise-grade reports faster — Print & Send, scheduling, and snippet reuse across clients.

Key Features

Visual Enhancements

📷 Images in Reports Company logos in headers, product images in detail lines, signatures in footers. Field references, external URLs, and three sizing modes (fit, stretch, original).

👁 Watermarks Semi-transparent text or image watermarks on every page. Customise opacity, rotation, font, and colour. Renders on top of all content.

📚 Snippet Libraries Reusable band definitions — create once, include everywhere. Update once, reflect everywhere. Perfect for consistent corporate headers, footers, and branding.

Advanced Functionality

❓ Report Parameters and Prompting at Runtime Prompt users for input when a report runs. Supports date ranges (25+ presets), dropdowns, text, numbers, and booleans — with values flowing directly into report domains. Makes action-launched reports more flexible by letting users choose things like summary vs. detail at run time.	📊 SQL Data Sources Direct SQL queries for complex data retrieval beyond Odoo’s ORM. Cross-table JOINs, aggregations, and safe parameter binding with %(name)s.	📧 Print & Send Bind to Odoo’s Print button. Preview, generate, and email reports directly from the action menu — or replace built-in reports entirely.
⏱Server-side generation & email API Programmatic PDF generation and email delivery via generate_pdf_attachment() and generate_and_email() . Parameter defaults resolve automatically, making reports fully callable from Odoo cron jobs or custom automation — ideal for unattended execution and scheduled delivery	📝 Enhanced JSON Editing Expand or collapse all fields, or just a single band, for clearer editing on large reports. Switch between compact and verbose views in one click.	🔗 Run Reports Menu Opt-in quick-access menu surfaces parameterized and non-parameterized reports for end users without needing form-level actions.

Learning & Support

📚 7 Pro Tutorial Reports Pro tutorials demonstrating every Pro feature — images, watermarks, snippets, parameters, SQL, and scheduling. Ready to run, examine, and adapt.

📄 Pro User Guide & Schema Dedicated Pro User Guide and a Pro Schema reference covering every advanced JSON key. Both are accessible from inside Odoo.

❓ Built-in Help (Pro) All free contextual help, plus Pro-specific guidance for image fields, watermark configuration, snippet authoring, and parameter design.

Connected & Intelligent

🌍 Shared Community Library Share Pro reports with the community. Pro-only features (images, watermarks, SQL, parameters, snippets) are automatically labelled so importers know what they need.

🤖 AI Friendly Report Generator Pro-aware AI prompt that knows every Pro key and feature — generates working JSON for parameterized, image-rich, snippet-based reports on the first try.

💬 AI Friendly Support Agent Pro-aware AI prompt for instant support across the whole feature surface, including watermark, parameter, and Print & Send troubleshooting.

🙋 Human Support Human support always available

🙋 REST API Generate PDF reports programmatically via HTTP POST.

Screenshots

Feature Demo

Static Screenshots

Product images with conditional watermark. Products link to Odoo store page.	Hi-res image as a watermark	Multiple watermarks
End-user reports with prompted selection parameters - no need to access the definitions. Parameterised report can also be used for model actions available when selecting records.	Snippets for corporate branding and consistency	Snippets are useful for SQL query readability
Integrated Print & Send — email reports directly from Odoo	Ability to collapse and expand sections of the JSON report definitions for easier editing	End user reporting #2
Conditionally, prepend and append PDF documents to reports. e.g. Terms of Service document appended to a Sales Order	Automated Report Writer for SQL reports

How It Works

The Banded Reporting Model

Banded Report Writer brings the classic “banded” reporting paradigm — familiar from tools like Crystal Reports — directly into Odoo. A report is built from discrete horizontal bands that fire at predictable moments: a report header on the first page, page headers on every page, detail bands repeated for each data record, group headers and footers when data changes, and page/report footers for summaries and page numbers. Each band contains fields positioned by X and Y coordinates, giving you pixel-precise control over layout without touching QWeb or WKHTMLTOPDF.

One Foundational Idea: Flat In, Banded Out

Every Banded Report Writer report consumes a flat list of rows, where each row already carries every value the report could ever need — including values that “belong” to a group header or footer. We deliberately repeat group-level data on every row instead of nesting it.

This single design choice is the reason BRW is so flexible and predictable. Grouping, sorting, subtotals, page breaks, and conditional bands all become simple, regular operations on a uniform input. The hard work of joining tables and shaping data lives where it belongs — in your data source — not buried inside the report template. Pro features such as parameterised SQL, snippet libraries, and runtime parameters all build on the same foundation, so they fit together without surprises.

The result: there is never any mystery about where a value comes from, every report behaves the same way, and reports are easy to reason about, modify, and migrate. It is a deliberate decision rooted in decades of classic banded-reporting practice — one that has paid off in every report we have built.

Structured JSON, Validated End-to-End

Everything about a report — bands, fields, data sources, grouping rules, formatting, colours, and constants — is declared in a single, clean JSON document. This is not loose markup: every key is validated against a strict schema, every field type is checked, every layout reference is resolved, and every colour token is verified before a single PDF byte is produced. The rendering engine is pure Python (ReportLab), with zero Odoo dependencies in its core, so the same definition runs consistently whether you are designing in Odoo 19 today or porting tomorrow.

Schema Rigor Enables AI and Guaranteed Quality

Because the format is tightly structured, we can do things ad-hoc template systems cannot. The built-in validator catches typos instantly — “Unknown key ‘fond_size’ — did you mean ‘font_size’?” — and the complete JSON schema (free and Pro) is published as a machine-readable reference. That same schema powers our curated AI prompts: the AI Report Builder knows every valid key, every band type, and every formatting rule (including Pro extensions), so it generates working JSON on the first try rather than guessing. The result is a system where human authors, automated validators, and AI assistants all speak the same precise language.

Steps to Get Started

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need the free Banded Report Writer to use Pro?

Yes. Pro is a thin extension that adds advanced features on top of the free module — it is not a standalone product. Install the free Banded Report Writer first, then install Pro. The Pro manifest depends on the free module, so Odoo will block installation in the wrong order.

Will my existing free reports keep working after I install Pro?

Yes. Pro is purely additive. All existing free report definitions continue to render exactly as before — Pro simply unlocks new JSON keys (images, watermarks, snippets, parameters, SQL) that you can add when you’re ready. Nothing is rewritten or migrated.

How do parameters and scheduled reports actually work?

Define a parameters section in your JSON listing the prompts you want (date ranges with 25+ presets, dropdowns, text, numbers, booleans). When a user runs the report from the Run Reports menu, Odoo opens a dynamic wizard, captures their input, and substitutes the values into your domain or SQL before generating the PDF. The same parameter defaults make reports cron-ready, so unattended scheduled runs work without prompts — pair this with generate_and_email() for fully automated delivery.

Can I share Pro reports with the community?

Yes. Install the Banded Report Library module to share. The library automatically labels reports that depend on Pro-only features (images, watermarks, SQL, parameters, snippets), so importers know exactly what they need before pulling a report into their database.

What if I uninstall Pro later?

Reports that use only free features continue to work unchanged. Reports that use Pro-only elements (images, watermarks, SQL data sources, parameters, snippets) will fail to render those specific elements until Pro is reinstalled — the JSON itself is preserved, so reinstalling Pro restores full functionality immediately. Nothing is destroyed by uninstalling.

What about support and updates?

Pro receives priority bug fixes and new-feature development. License holders get the same human support and curated AI prompts as the free version, plus Pro-aware AI prompts that understand every advanced feature. We are committed to publishing official Pro updates for new Odoo versions.

Free vs Pro Feature Comparison

The Banded Report Writer is a comprehensive, free report engine for Odoo. The optional Pro module extends it with advanced features for professional report design, automation, and integration.

Note: Installing Pro automatically extends the free module — all existing reports continue to work unchanged.

Core Report Engine

Feature	Free	Pro
Band-based layout (report header, page header, detail, page footer, report footer)	✅	✅
Multi-page reports with automatic page breaks	✅	✅
Page sizes — A4, Letter, Legal	✅	✅
Portrait and landscape orientation	✅	✅
Configurable margins (top, bottom, left, right)	✅	✅
Developer PDF Preview (in-browser, no download)	✅	✅
JSON schema validation with typo detection and suggestions	✅	✅
Report Builder wizard (guided report creation)	✅	✅
Debug layout mode (visualise band boundaries)	✅	✅
Generate PDF button (download)	✅	✅

Data Sources & Queries

Feature	Free	Pro
ORM data sources with Odoo domain filters	✅	✅
Parent-child (master-detail) data sources via One2many fields	✅	✅
Dot-notation for related fields	✅	✅
Dynamic domain variables ({company_ids}, {today}, {active_ids})	✅	✅
SQL data sources — direct SQL queries	—	✅
Cross-table JOINs for complex multi-table reporting	—	✅
Parameterized SQL queries with safe %(name)s binding	—	✅

Field Types & Formatting

Feature	Free	Pro
Static text labels	✅	✅
Dynamic field values with {field_name} placeholders	✅	✅
Currency formatting — locale-aware with per-record symbol	✅	✅
Number formatting — locale-aware with thousands separator	✅	✅
HTML to plain text conversion	✅	✅
Image fields — render images in any band	—	✅
Image size modes — fit, stretch, original	—	✅
Conditional image rendering with render_if	—	✅

Layout & Styling

Feature	Free	Pro
Text alignment — left, right, center	✅	✅
Vertical alignment — top, middle, bottom	✅	✅
Bold and italic text (band and field level)	✅	✅
Font families — Helvetica, Times, Courier	✅	✅
Text color — hex #RRGGBB or named colors	✅	✅
Band backgrounds — solid or alternating row colors	✅	✅
Band borders and underlines	✅	✅
Named panels — positioned rectangles with backgrounds	✅	✅
Rounded corners (curved)	✅	✅
Watermarks — text or image on every page	—	✅
Watermark customization — opacity, rotation, font, color	—	✅

Grouping, Totals & Summaries

Feature	Free	Pro
Multi-level grouping by any field	✅	✅
Group header and footer bands (per level)	✅	✅
Aggregate functions — SUM, COUNT, AVG, MIN, MAX	✅	✅
Subtotals at each group level	✅	✅
Report footer with grand totals	✅	✅
Nested/hierarchical grouping (multiple levels)	✅	✅
Automatic page breaks per group	✅	✅
Continuation text for multi-page groups	✅	✅

Report Parameters & Prompts

Feature	Free	Pro
Runtime parameter prompts — dynamic wizard	—	✅
Date range parameters — 25+ built-in presets	—	✅
Selection/dropdown parameters	—	✅
Text, number, and boolean parameters	—	✅
Parameter values in domains	—	✅
Run Reports menu — opt-in quick-access for prompted & non-prompted reports	—	✅
Cron-ready defaults — unattended execution	—	✅

Publishing, Print, Email & Scheduling

Feature	Free	Pro
Publish to Action Menu wizard	✅	✅
Cross-model report actions	✅	✅
Print & Send — bind to Odoo’s Print button	—	✅
Default Report mode — replace built-in reports	—	✅
Scheduled reports via cron	—	✅
generate_pdf_attachment() — server-side PDF	—	✅
generate_and_email() — generate and send via email	—	✅

JSON Editing & Productivity

Feature	Free	Pro
JSON editor with syntax highlighting	✅	✅
JSON schema validation on save	✅	✅
Typo detection with suggestions	✅	✅
Report Builder wizard	✅	✅
JSON Compact All Fields	—	✅
JSON Expand All Fields	—	✅
JSON Expand Band	—	✅

Reusable Components

Feature	Free	Pro
Constants — report-level layout variables	✅	✅
Constants — band-level, scoped to a specific band	✅	✅
Palette definition for style consistency	✅	✅
Layout references — {name.x}, {name.width}	✅	✅
Named panels — store x, y, width, height	✅	✅
Snippet Libraries — reusable JSON fragments	—	✅
Band snippets — standard headers, footers	—	✅
include_snippet at any JSON level	—	✅

Learning Resources

Feature	Free	Pro
11 progressive tutorials (Tutorial 01–11)	✅	✅
7 Pro tutorials (Tutorial Pro 01–07)	—	✅
In-app User Guide	✅	✅
In-app Quick Reference	✅	✅
Pro User Guide	—	✅
Pro Schema reference	—	✅

Summary

	Free	Pro
Total features	100+	140+
Data source types	ORM	ORM + SQL
Report actions	Action Menu	Action Menu + Print & Send
Automation	Manual	+ Cron, email
Media	Text only	+ Images + Watermarks
Parameters	—	5 types, 25+ presets
Tutorials	11	11 + 7 Pro

Changelog

Version	Type	Changes
1.0.0	Initial	Pro extension with images, watermarks, snippet libraries, runtime parameters, SQL data sources, Print & Send, scheduled reports, enhanced JSON editing, and 7 Pro tutorial reports

⚠ Important Note for All Users

Thank you for your interest in our Banded Report Writer Pro — a paid Odoo module built to empower the Odoo community. Before you proceed, please read the following carefully.

🎁 Free Contribution to the Odoo Community

The free Banded Report Writer is offered completely free of charge as a core module. We built it to solve a real problem — making professional PDF reporting accessible to functional users — and we are committed to keeping the core functionality free and actively maintained. The Pro module funds this ongoing free contribution.

⭐ Reviews & Feedback

We welcome honest reviews and constructive feedback. If you encounter bugs or have suggestions, please email us @ brw_support@wilsonworks.com.au so we can track, prioritise, and resolve them systematically. This helps us improve the product for everyone.

🤝 Let’s Build Together

We welcome collaboration. Share your reports in the Community Library, contribute ideas, or tell us what features you need next. Together, we can make Odoo reporting better for the whole community.

🔒 Future Odoo Versions

All rights to this module are reserved. Unauthorized migration, republishing, reselling, or listing on any marketplace under another name is strictly prohibited. We are committed to publishing official updates for new Odoo versions.

🙏 Respect Our Effort

We have invested significant time, money, and development effort to create and share this module with the community. Please respect the open spirit behind this contribution. Collaboration and ethical use are always welcome — misuse is not.

Banded Report Writer Pro — Extended PDF Reporting for Odoo

License: OPL-1 | Author: Wilson Works