ConnectWise Instant Reports

Instant Reports is a stripped-down, ad-hoc report designer inside Report Writer. Use it to explore data quickly, mock up a report structure, or pull a one-off dataset without learning the full Report Writer interface. The key feature is a search box that matches table and field names in your database — useful when you don’t know where a piece of data lives.

Open the Instant Report designer

Go to System > Report Writer, then select New Item > Instant Report.

Build a report

1. In the Data tab, select a table from your database. Once a table is selected, choose the fields you want to include.
2. In the Chart tab, select a chart type to control how the data is displayed.
3. In the Format tab:
   • Select Subtotals to show subtotals.
   • Select Hide Grid to hide the graph grid.
   • Enter a Records count value to limit how many records appear.
   • Enter titles and descriptions in the Header and Footer sections.
4. In the Schedule tab, set a date, time, time zone, repeat type, and Send Email option to schedule delivery.
5. Use the Colors and styles and Page sections to customize the report appearance.
6. Enter a drilldown key in the Drilldown keys section if needed.
7. Select Save.

Work with results in the preview window

To reorder fields, drag a column header in the preview window. Hover over any field to reveal a gear icon — select it to open that field’s options panel.

Toolbar actions

Action	What it does
Update results	Refreshes the preview with your current settings.
Preview Records	Sets how many records appear in the preview.
Save Report	Saves the report. Required before emailing.
Open Report in Report Writer	Transfers the entire instant report into the full Report Writer designer for further editing.
Print	Prints the report as HTML or PDF.
Export	Exports as Excel, Word, CSV, or XML.
Email	Emails a link to the report. Save the report first.
Edit Report Filter	Opens filter editing for the report.
Edit Pivots	Opens pivot logic editing.

Note: The Email action sends a link, not the report itself. The recipient needs access to ConnectWise to open it.