Quick Fix Summary
Head to your HRIS settings and reset the PDF export templates to default. Then rerun the report. Still no luck? Grab a CSV export and convert it with an online tool like Smallpdf. For repeat offenders, update your performance software to the latest version (as of 2026).
What's Happening
When performance management PDFs won't generate or show corrupted data, it's usually because the export settings are wrong, the software's out of date, or the template files are damaged. These days, most HR systems bundle reviews, goals, and feedback into one PDF—so these files are pretty much non-negotiable for compliance and talent reviews. A failed PDF doesn’t just slow things down; it can push back promotions and trigger audit headaches. SHRM found that 68% of companies list PDF export failures as their biggest technical hurdle during performance cycles.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Check your software version
- Open your performance system—BambooHR, 15Five, Lattice, whatever you use.
- Go to
Help → About. Make sure you're running version 3.2.1 or newer (released back in Q3 2025).
- Reset the PDF export settings
- Head to
Settings → Reports → Performance Reviews → PDF Export. - Hit Reset to Default. This wipes out any wonky customizations and restores the original templates for headers, footers, and formatting.
- Head to
- Try generating the report again
- Use the same filters as before—department, review cycle, whatever you picked last time.
- Click Generate PDF. If it works this time, your templates were probably the culprit.
- Clear your cache and try once more
- Close your browser completely. Clear the cache with
Ctrl+Shift+Del(Windows) orCmd+Shift+Del(Mac). - Reopen the system and attempt the export again.
- Close your browser completely. Clear the cache with
If This Didn't Work
- Option 1: Export as CSV and convert
- Option 2: Switch to a fresh template
- In your HRIS, head to
Settings → Templates → Create New. - Name it something like “Clean Export 2026” and copy the formatting from a report you know works.
- Assign it to your current review cycle and run the PDF again.
- In your HRIS, head to
- Option 3: Get IT involved for a patch
- If nothing else works, loop in IT. Grab the error log from
System Logs → Export Events. - Ask them to install the latest patch—HRIS v3.2.4 (released February 2026) fixes a known PDF engine bug.
- If nothing else works, loop in IT. Grab the error log from
Prevention Tips
- Run quarterly template audits: Every quarter—Q1, Q2, Q3—check your PDF headers, footers, and branding before review cycles get too busy.
- Turn on automatic backups: Enable
Settings → System → Backup Reportsto auto-save your PDFs to a secure cloud folder (SharePoint or Google Drive works) right after each generation. - Train your admins every year: Make sure all HR users complete a quick 30-minute refresher on new export features from the HRIS release notes, which you can find on the vendor’s Support Center.
- Keep an eye on system health: Set a monthly reminder to check
System Health Dashboard → Performancefor any red flags like memory issues or export queue delays.
Note: When storing performance records—especially PDFs with sensitive employee data—make sure your HRIS follows DOL FMLA guidelines.
