How to Automate PDF Reporting with R

Written by Matt Dancho on October 21, 2020


This article is part of a R-Tips Weekly, a weekly video tutorial that shows you step-by-step how to do common R coding tasks.

Let’s learn how to automate PDFs with R.


(Click image to play tutorial)


Automate PDF Reporting with R Tutorial

Why create PDF’s manually when you can automate PDFs with R?

That’s exactly what I show you how to do in this tutorial. Here is the final report you will automate today.

PDF Report


First, make a “Parameterized” Rmarkdown file by modifying the YAML with a params section.

Rmarkdown Parameters


Next, insert the parameters in your Rmarkdown Template file so each of the key inputs depend on the parameters.

Insert Rmarkdown Parameters


Finally, in a separate R Script, use rmarkdown::render() to auto-magically create PDF reports by selecting the Rmd Template file and changing the parameters using the params list.

Create PDF Report


Like that, you’ve automated your PDF Reports! 👇

PDF Report


You Learned Something New!

Great! But, you need to learn a TON to master the Blue Steel pose.

What happens after you learn R for Business from Matt 👇

…And the look on your boss’ face after seeing your first Shiny App. 👇

I call this, “career acceleration”.


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