Arrange the page
Place text, data fields, lines, shapes, images, barcodes and QR codes in a visual editor. Set the page and row dimensions in millimeters.
Visual PDF report design for PHP
Change the report.
Not the application.
Build the layout visually, then connect its fields to your database with a ready-made PHP class and generated callbacks. The design lives in a separate report file.
One report layout. Your data. A finished PDF.
invoice.ppr layout + data
Workflow illustration based on the report format
01Visual layout in the editor
02PHP callbacks for your data
03PDF generated by the class
A clearer division of work
The design and the data each have their place.
A designer or even your customer can adjust the report layout while the PHP integration continues to provide the values.
Supply the values
Export a PHP template with callbacks for the fields in that design. Fill those callbacks using the database queries and application logic you already have.
Produce the PDF
The PHP class loads the saved design, calls your data functions and renders the report. Layout edits do not require changes to the rendering code.
The handoff
Your PHP handles data. The report file handles presentation.
The editor recognizes fixed fields such as @@customer and repeating fields such as @@@description. The generated callback template gives each field a place to receive its value.
- Update colors, placement or wording in the editor.
- Keep the same data callback when field names stay the same.
- Add a callback value when the design introduces a new field.
// Fields placed in the visual layout @@customer Fixed value @@invoiceNo Fixed value @@@description Repeating row @@@amount Repeating row // Saved as invoice.ppr
// Example values from your application use ZioBitPhpPdfReport\PdfReport; new PdfReport( 'invoice.ppr', 'invoice.pdf', 'reportData', count($items) ); function reportData($what, $index, $pdf, $sysVar) { global $invoice, $items; if ($what === '__precalc_row__') return ''; if ($what === 'customer') return $invoice['customer']; if ($what === 'invoiceNo') return $invoice['number']; if ($what === 'total') return $invoice['total']; if ($what === 'description') return $items[$index]['description']; if ($what === 'amount') return $items[$index]['amount']; return ''; }
Separate files. Clear responsibilities..ppr + .php
Made for report work
The tools you need on the page.
Draw and refine the visual report in one place, then connect it to the records in your PHP application.
Visual editor
Arrange text, lines, rectangles and images on the page, with grids, alignment controls and millimeter-based settings.
Data fields
Use fixed fields for values such as a customer name and repeating fields for rows from your data.
Generated PHP
Export a PHP integration template listing the fields in your design, ready for your database logic.
PDF output
Render multi-page reports with headers, footers, images, barcodes and QR codes through the PHP class.
Product manuals
Documentation for both sides of the workflow.
Learn the visual editor, then connect report fields to PHP and your database. Each PDF includes a contents page and practical examples.
PDF manual · 9 pages
Graphic Editor
Page settings, every toolbar tool, object properties, layers, styles, shortcuts and export.
Read Graphic Editor PDF
PDF manual · 9 pages
Callback implementation
Field tokens, the callback contract, a complete mysqli example, two-pass totals, images and deployment checks.
Read Callback implementation PDFThe editor
Designed to be edited by people who care about the page.
The report layout is separate from application code, so changes to typography, spacing and page structure can happen in the editor.
Editor screenshotA real capture of a report open in the editor can be placed here.
Simple lifetime pricing
Choose how many reports you need to save.
Start free, then choose a one-time license when your library of report designs grows.
Free
$0free forever
Get familiar with the editor and build your first reports.
3 report saves
Visual editor · PHP integration
Request free editionStudioFor growing teams
$99.95one-time · yours forever
Room for a full library of client and internal reports.
100 report saves
Visual editor · PHP integration
Ask for StudioUnlimited
$395one-time · yours forever
Create and save as many report designs as your work calls for.
Unlimited report saves
Visual editor · PHP integration
Ask for UnlimitedPrices shown in USD. License requests open an email draft; online checkout is not connected yet.
Common questions
A few practical details.
Do layout changes require PHP changes?
Changes to placement, color, text styling and other visual details can stay in the saved report design. If you add a new data field, supply a value for its identifier in your callback.
Does the editor connect directly to my database?
Your PHP code stays responsible for database access. The generated callback template shows where to return the data for each fixed or repeating field.
Can a designer or customer edit the report?
Yes. Someone working on the visual layout can save a new design without editing the PDF rendering code. Your application can then use that saved report file.