How to Export Raw Data Only to Excel in Bold Reports

Exporting raw data is essential when you need the underlying dataset without report layouts, styling, headers, or visuals. The ExportRawDataOnly custom property in Bold Reports (introduced in version 12.2) allows you to export only the raw dataset to an Excel workbook. This is useful when working with external tools such as Excel PivotTables, Power BI, or Python.

This article explains how to enable the feature in the report designer and export raw data efficiently.

Prerequisites

• Bold Reports Designer (standalone or web designer) version 12.2 or later
• A report file opened in the designer
• At least one data-bound item (Table, Matrix, or Dataset) in the report

Steps to enable raw data export

1. Open the report and Locate Custom Attributes

1. Open the report in the Bold Reports Designer.
2. In the Properties panel, expand the Miscellaneous section.
3. Find Custom Attributes and click Set Attributes.

2. Add the ExportRawDataOnly property

1. In the Custom Attribute dialog, click Add.
2. Enter the following values:
   • Property Name: ExportRawDataOnly
   • Value: true
3. Click OK to save the changes.

3. Preview and export the raw data

1. Click Preview to run the report.
2. In the toolbar, choose Export → Excel.
3. The exported Excel file contains only raw data rows and columns. Report formatting, merged cells, titles, and images are not included.

Example raw data output

How it works

• When ExportRawDataOnly is set to true, the Excel renderer excludes layout and visual elements from the export.
• Only dataset fields, including expressions and calculated fields, are exported in a simple tabular structure.
• This property works in both embedded and on-premises deployments.

Notes and limitations

• Applies only to Excel (.xlsx) exports.
• Does not affect PDF, Word, CSV, or other export formats.
• If the report contains multiple datasets, each dataset is exported as a separate worksheet.
• Report parameters and filters continue to apply during export.

Sample report

Download the sample report with ExportRawDataOnly enabled to test this functionality.

Related articles

• Export Report API
• Customize Excel Export Settings