Built for the Koha community · Now with voice dictation 🎙
Imagine it. Describe it. Build the report.
Meet Report Assistant – PDF Writer v1.24.1, a Koha Reports plugin bringing DAB Reports (Describe and Build), voice dictation, SQL validation, drag-and-drop visual design, and full-data exports into one workflow.
Developed by Lightwave Library · For libraries that want more from their data
✦ Report Assistant – PDF Writer● ● ●
Run & Export
AI Assistant
Designers
DAB Reports · Describe and Build
“Show items checked out by library this month. Prompt for a branch and start date.”
✦ Generate SQL Draft
SELECT b.branchname, COUNT(*) AS loans FROM issues i JOIN items it ON it.itemnumber = i.itemnumber JOIN branches b ON b.branchcode = it.homebranch WHERE b.branchcode = <<Library|branches>> GROUP BY b.branchname;
Speak or typeVoice dictation → report description
Provider choiceOpenAI-compatible AI endpoints
Two designersSimple + Advanced beta
Four exportsPDF, HTML, CSV, Markdown
Meet the signature feature
DAB Reports. Describe and Build.
What if generating a Koha report started with a conversation instead of a blank SQL editor? With DAB Reports, staff can describe the information they need and let an AI assistant propose the query.
01
Describe
Type your report description or tap the microphone to speak it aloud. Review and edit the transcription before generating SQL.
02
Build
Your configured AI provider drafts MariaDB-compatible Koha SQL.
03
Validate
Inspect database feedback. Ask AI for a suggested fix without losing the original SQL.
04
Save & run
Review and save the approved SQL as a Koha report for future use.
Designed to work with a configured OpenAI-compatible endpoint, including supported cloud providers and local Ollama setups. AI-generated queries require staff review; the assistant does not guarantee query correctness.
Beyond the SQL editor
A complete reporting workspace.
Move from questions to results, from raw data to printable layouts, without losing the familiar Koha Reports workflow.
⌨
Koha-aware parameters
Insert familiar prompts such as <<Item type|itemtypes>> and request runtime values when running supported reports.
✓
SQL validation
Check query structure and database feedback before saving, with an optional AI-proposed correction.
▣
Full-data exports
Preview the first 200 rows, then export the full query results as CSV, HTML, Markdown, or print-ready browser PDF.
🎙
Voice dictation — speak your report
Click the microphone, describe the report naturally, then stop recording to turn your voice into editable text. Review the transcription and choose when to generate SQL. No typing required.
↗
Reusable saved reports
Keep report definitions in Koha and return to them through its reporting tools.
⇩
Backup & restore
Export and restore supported report definitions and visual layouts as portable JSON backups.
See the reporting workflow
Inside Report Assistant.
A look at the Koha-integrated experience, plus an illustrative look at the newest Advanced Designer canvas features.
Plugin dashboardActual screenshot from an earlier release. v1.24.1 adds its latest canvas controls.Koha runtime parameter promptsActual screenshot showing date prompts before a canvas preview (earlier release).
REPORT HEADER · NOT REPEATING
Student Activity Summary
DETAIL BAND · REPEAT ✓
{{biblionumber}}Date/Time: 2026-10-21
Group Box · Student details
New v1.24.1 canvas controlsIllustrative mockup of snap-to-grid, red margin guides, graphical dividers, and Group Box placement—not an actual plugin screenshot.
New in v1.24.1
Maintenance release: Improved acceptance of AI-generated SELECT queries with ordinary comments and trailing semicolons, while retaining read-only SQL validation.
Keep the canvas neat with alignment guides, customize report decorations, and open your finished HTML or browser-based PDF without losing your design workspace.
This maintenance release improves handling of AI-generated SQL. Existing saved reports and designer layouts remain part of the plugin. Some advanced rendering features are still in beta.
Design it your way
From quick layouts to an advanced canvas.
Different reports need different kinds of design. Start with structured tables—or experiment with a more flexible, band-based layout.
Simple Visual Designer Choose columns, order, headings, and printable layouts.
Advanced Visual Designer (beta) Drag, drop, resize, and organize elements in report, page, group, and detail bands.
Per-element formatting Set fonts and sizes; adjust page margins with visual red guides.
Save your designs Keep reusable canvas definitions linked to saved Koha reports.
Grid overlay with 5, 10, or 20 px snapping, plus Alt-drag to position elements freely.
Drag-and-drop dividers, group boxes, date/time stamps and page-number elements.
Resize and reorder report bands; keep red margin guides visible while designing.
Full HTML and Print/Save PDF open in a separate tab so the designer stays open.
Advanced Designer is beta. Subreports support saved layout placeholders and mappings, but executing child SQL reports is not yet supported. Page X of Y may vary by browser because PDF uses browser printing.
REPORT HEADER · Library Activity Summary
DETAIL BAND · REPEAT ✓
Jones Public Library284
Central Branch196
Westside Library142
East Branch87
REPORT FOOTER · Built with Report Assistant
Illustrative design preview · Sample data
Made possible by Lightwave Library
A little less SQL frustration. A lot more library insight.
Built around Koha’s reporting workflow, with AI as an optional helper—not a replacement for librarians’ judgment. We're excited to share what we're building with the Koha community.
Feature overview for Report Assistant – PDF Writer v1.24.1. Advanced Designer capabilities remain beta and should be tested on nonproduction systems before wider rollout. Download the v1.24.1 Koha plugin above. Keep the KPZ file in the same folder as this HTML page when publishing.
