> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.rillet.com/EjmEP4KZ9BVp9j2ho4Mh/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.rillet.com/EjmEP4KZ9BVp9j2ho4Mh/settings-and-config/custom-fields/viewing-fields-in-reporting/build-a-custom-report.md).

# Build a Custom Report

Custom Report (formerly Datalab) lets you build reports on your financial data, using the same custom fields you configure elsewhere in **Rillet**. You can build a report yourself with the **Custom Builder**, or ask **Aura** to build and refine one for you through an agentic search. Reports from either mode can be saved and downloaded.

### Understand the Two Ways to Build a Report

Rillet gives you two modes for building a Custom Report:

| Mode                  | How it works                                                                                                                                |
| --------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Custom Builder        | A deterministic engine that lets you choose the source, period, filters, columns, and grouping yourself.                                    |
| Agentic Search (Aura) | You ask Aura questions in plain language, and it builds and adjusts the report for you, using the same filtering and grouping capabilities. |

The sections below walk through each mode, starting with the Custom Builder.

### Build a Report with the Custom Builder

Complete these steps to build, view, and save a report with the Custom Builder:

1. Click **Reporting** in the left-hand menu.
2. Select **New Custom Report**.

   <figure><img src="/files/tMD0uzU9XM7zkx9PHvZh" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
3. Choose **Custom Builder** from the dropdown to open the **Custom Report** page.

   <figure><img src="/files/vB3kkgxZLVote1RS8zXY" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
4. Pick a data **Source**, such as **Journal entries**, **Expenses**, **Invoices**, or **Contracts**, depending on what you want to report on.
5. Set a **Period**, such as **Year to Date**, **Last Month**, **Current Month**, or **Last Complete Quarter**, or select **Custom Range** to set your own dates.
6. Add a filter by clicking **+ Add Filter**, then selecting a field, an operator, and a value to narrow the results.
7. Open **List** to view a line-by-line report, check the boxes next to the columns you want included, optionally choose a column in **Sort By (optional)**, then click **Run Search** to generate it.

   <figure><img src="/files/gokEARBbfhsv3y3jqBpL" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
8. Or switch to **Summary** to pivot the results into a grouped view instead:

   * **Metrics:** Select which values to include, such as **Amount**, **Debit**, **Credit**, or **Entry Count**.
   * **Group By:** Click **Add Dimensions** and select one or more fields, such as **Account** or **Subsidiary**.
   * **Period Columns (optional):** Select a breakdown, such as **Monthly**, **Quarterly**, or **Yearly**.
   * **Sort By (optional):** Choose a value, such as **Total Debit** or **Total Credit**.
   * Click **Run Search** again to generate the summary. **List** and **Summary** each run as their own search, so switching views and running again produces a different result.

   <figure><img src="/files/LAAZ2Tr3B3663wqigegT" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
9. Save the report by clicking **Save As** and entering a title the first time, or clicking **Save** to update one you already saved.
10. Download the report as an **.xlsx** file by clicking **Download**.<br>

    <figure><img src="/files/Jk1p1AgvBQEGsEnkIebq" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %} <mark style="color:$info;">**Note:**</mark>

Filters support different operators depending on the field, including comparisons like greater than or equal to for amounts, and separate options for regular dates versus GL-impacting dates. In **Summary** view, Rillet also blocks metrics that would mix debits and credits, such as summing **Amount**, and automatically breaks results down by currency so amounts in different currencies are never combined into the same total.
{% endhint %}

Once saved, a Custom Builder report appears under **Builder Reports** in **Select Saved Tables**, ready to open, edit, or download again at any time.

### Build a Report with Aura

Follow these steps to open an agentic report, where you ask Aura to build and adjust the report for you instead of configuring every filter and column yourself:

1. Click **Select Saved Tables** at the top of the Custom Report page.
2. Select a report listed under **Agent Reports**, separate from your **Builder Reports**.<br>

   <figure><img src="/files/G8eYxab3eMSHHLLaDpMJ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The same report panel opens alongside an Aura chat, where you can ask questions to filter, group, or adjust the report instead of setting each field manually. You still have the same manual controls available, but Aura's agentic search works best when you ask it questions directly rather than configuring it by hand. Aura also keeps a history of your past searches, so you can revisit what an earlier version of the report showed.

### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

<details>

<summary>What's the difference between the Custom Builder and Aura's agentic search?</summary>

The Custom Builder is a deterministic engine that lets you configure the source, filters, columns, and grouping yourself, while agentic search uses Aura to build and adjust the report from your questions, using the same underlying filtering and grouping capabilities.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I download a report built with Aura?</summary>

Yes. Reports built with either the Custom Builder or Aura's agentic search can be saved and downloaded the same way.

</details>

### See Also

To learn more about custom fields and reporting in **Rillet**, review these articles:

* [**Fields Overview**](/EjmEP4KZ9BVp9j2ho4Mh/settings-and-config/custom-fields/fields-overview.md)
* [**Viewing Fields in Income Statement Reporting**](/EjmEP4KZ9BVp9j2ho4Mh/settings-and-config/custom-fields/viewing-fields-in-reporting/viewing-fields-in-income-statement-reporting.md)
* [**Viewing Fields in ARR/CARR Waterfall Reporting**](/EjmEP4KZ9BVp9j2ho4Mh/settings-and-config/custom-fields/viewing-fields-in-reporting/viewing-fields-in-arr-carr-waterfall-reporting.md)
* [**Reporting Overview**](/EjmEP4KZ9BVp9j2ho4Mh/reporting/reporting-overview.md)


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