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PDF Export

PDF export generates documents showing your complete campaign structures. Export campaigns from the Campaign Builder canvas to a shareable PDF file that presents campaign details, ad sets, and ads in a formatted document. This is useful for client reviews, internal approvals, and campaign documentation.
What you’ll learn:
  • How to export campaigns to PDF
  • What information is included in PDF exports
  • When to use PDF export
  • How PDF export differs from PowerPoint export

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What PDF Export Includes

PDF exports provide a view of your campaign structures in a document format.

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Campaign Information

  • Campaign name and platform
  • Budget and schedule information
  • Campaign objective and settings
  • Platform and ad account details

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Ad Set Information

  • Ad set names and settings
  • Targeting information
  • Budget allocation
  • Placement selections

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Ad Information

  • Ad names and format
  • Ad copy (headline, primary text, description)
  • Call-to-action
  • Creative assets (images/videos)
PDF exports show the structure and settings of your campaigns as they exist on the canvas, whether published or not.

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How to Export to PDF

1

Open Export modal

In the Campaign Builder, click the Export button in the action bar.
2

Select platforms

Choose which platforms to include: Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, Google, X, or any combination.
3

Choose what to include

Select which levels to export:
  • Campaigns: Include campaign-level information
  • Ad Sets: Include ad set details and targeting
  • Ads: Include ad creative and copy
4

Select campaigns

From the campaign list, check the campaigns you want to export. You can select all or choose specific campaigns.
5

Generate PDF

Click Export as PDF. The system generates the document and downloads it to your device.
You can export campaigns from multiple platforms in a single PDF document.

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When to Use PDF Export

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Client Reviews and Approvals

Export PDFs to get client approval before campaigns go live. Clients can review campaign structure, targeting, creative, and copy in a familiar PDF format without needing access to Whathead. Workflow:
  1. Build campaigns in Whathead
  2. Export PDF with campaign details
  3. Send to client for review
  4. Collect feedback and make revisions
  5. Publish campaigns after approval
PDF exports create a record of what was approved. Save approved PDFs as documentation.

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Internal Documentation

Export PDFs for internal records, compliance requirements, or knowledge transfer. PDFs provide a snapshot of campaign structure at a specific point in time. Use cases:
  • Historical reference of past campaigns
  • Compliance and audit documentation
  • Training materials for new team members
  • Campaign templates for future reference

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Offline Review

Stakeholders can review PDF exports without internet access or logging into Whathead. This is convenient for:
  • Reviewing during travel
  • Printing for in-person meetings
  • Sharing with stakeholders who don’t have Whathead access

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PDF Export vs PowerPoint Export

Choose the right format based on your use case:
FeaturePDFPowerPoint (PPTX)
FormatFixed documentEditable slides
EditingNot editableFully editable
Best forApprovals, documentationPresentations, customization
File sizeTypically smallerTypically larger
PrintingPrint-readyMay need formatting
Choose PDF when:
  • You need a final, non-editable document
  • You’re sending for approval (content shouldn’t change)
  • You need a document for printing or archiving
  • File size is a concern
Choose PowerPoint when:
  • You need to present in a meeting
  • You want to customize slides or add content
  • You need to integrate with other presentation materials
Learn more about PowerPoint export in PPTX Export.

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Export Best Practices

Use descriptive file names: Rename downloaded PDFs with clear names (e.g., “Acme-Summer-Campaign-2024-06-15.pdf”) that include client name, campaign name, and date.
Export after revisions: Generate a new PDF after making changes based on feedback. This creates a clear version history.
Select relevant content: Only include the levels (campaigns, ad sets, ads) that are relevant for your audience. Executives may only need campaign-level information, while creative teams need full ad details.
Multi-platform exports: When working with campaigns across multiple platforms, you can export them all in one PDF or create separate PDFs per platform depending on your needs.

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Troubleshooting

Cause: Large campaigns with many ad sets, ads, and creative assets take longer to generate.Resolution:
  • Wait for generation to complete
  • For very large campaigns, export in smaller batches
  • Consider exporting fewer levels (e.g., campaigns and ad sets only, without ads)
Cause: Platform filters may be excluding all campaigns, or no campaigns exist on the canvas.Resolution:
  • Check that platform filters include the platforms you’re using
  • Verify campaigns exist on the canvas
  • Refresh the page and try again
Cause: Many creative assets result in large file sizes.Resolution:
  • Use file sharing services (Dropbox, Google Drive) instead of email
  • Export campaigns separately to create smaller PDFs
  • Export without ads if creative assets aren’t needed for review

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Next Steps

PPTX Export

Generate editable PowerPoint presentations.

Publishing Workflow

Learn how to publish campaigns after approval.

Campaign Builder

Master the Campaign Builder canvas.

Validation

Understand campaign validation.

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Common Questions

Yes. PDF export works for any campaign on the canvas, whether published or not. This is perfect for getting approval before publishing.
Yes. You can select multiple platforms (Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, Google, X) and export them all in a single PDF document.
No. PDFs are snapshots at the time of export. If you make changes, generate a new PDF to reflect the current state.
The PDF format is standardized. For customization, use PowerPoint export instead, which provides editable slides you can modify.
There’s no strict limit, but very large exports may take longer to generate. For best performance, export in batches if you have many campaigns.
You can control what levels are included (campaigns, ad sets, ads) using the checkboxes in the export modal. However, you must select at the campaign level - you cannot select individual ad sets or ads.

PPTX Export

Generate PowerPoint presentations for campaign reviews.

Export for Review Workflow

Follow a complete workflow for generating client-facing exports.

Platform Capabilities

See how PDF export provides value beyond platform portals.

Campaign Builder Overview

Learn how to build campaigns that you’ll export for review.

Publishing Workflow

Understand when to export before or after publishing.

AI Content Analysis

Use AI to analyze campaign content before exporting.