Automate PDF Report Distribution
Generating the PDF is half the workflow. Getting it to the right people automatically is the other half. This page covers all the distribution options for automated PDF reports.
Email distribution
MailApp.sendEmail() in Apps Script sends the PDF as an attachment with minimal code. For more control over email formatting, use the Gmail API via Apps Script. Store recipient lists in a Sheet so non-technical team members can manage them without touching the script.
Slack distribution
Post to a Slack channel using a webhook URL. Upload the PDF as a Slack file using the Slack Files API, or post a message with a direct Drive link. The file-upload approach keeps the PDF in Slack's storage and searchable in the channel. The link approach is simpler and does not use Slack storage.
Drive folder distribution
For recipients who should pull the report themselves rather than receive it by push, a shared Drive folder is the best distribution channel. Save each report to the shared folder and notify recipients with a link. They access the latest version on their own schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send the same report to multiple distribution channels at once?
Yes. Your Apps Script function can call MailApp, the Slack webhook, and DriveApp in sequence. Each distribution step runs one after the other in the same function execution.
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