Summary

This article explains how to modify or create a GibbsCAM Reporter report by editing its paired Model (.xlsx) and Template (.txt) files. The Model controls the report layout and static content, while the Template controls which GibbsCAM data is inserted and where it appears.


Table of Contents


Before You Begin

  • Make backup copies of both Reporter files before making changes.

  • Use an Excel-compatible spreadsheet application to edit the Model file and a plain-text editor to edit the Template file.

  • Identify the GibbsCAM version and whether the report should apply to one Windows user or every user on the workstation.

Important: Do not edit the shipped Reporter files in the GibbsCAM installation folder. Copy the files to a user or global data folder first.


How Reporter Files Work

Model file (.xlsx): Defines the report form, including company information, logos, fixed text, cell sizes, fonts, formatting, page layout, and the report's general appearance.

Template file (.txt): Contains Reporter commands that select data from the current GibbsCAM part and specify its destination in the Model file. For example, PartName 4 10 places the part name in row 4, column 10 (column J).

File pair: Keep the Model and Template together and use the same base filename for both files, such as MyReport.xlsx and MyReport.txt.


Procedure

Step 1 - Select a Starting Report

  1. Choose an existing Reporter report that is close to the layout and content you need.

  2. Confirm that the report supports the intended machine type. Some report commands and supplied custom reports are specific to Mill, Turning, or Broaching parts.

Step 2 - Copy and Rename the File Pair

  1. Open the shipped Reporter folder: %PROGRAMFILES%\Gibbs\GibbsCAM\<version>\PlugIns\Data\Report\. The actual installation path may differ.

  2. Copy both the .xlsx Model file and its matching .txt Template file.

  3. For a new custom report, rename both copies with the same unique base filename. To override a supplied report, retain its original base filename and place the copies in a higher-precedence folder.

Step 3 - Choose the Customization Location

  1. Place the paired files in the folder that matches the intended scope:

  • User-specific: %APPDATA%\Gibbs\GibbsCAM\<version>\PlugIns\Data\Report\

  • All users on the workstation: %PROGRAMDATA%\Gibbs\GibbsCAM\<version>\PlugIns\Data\Report\

File precedence: User data overrides global data, and global data overrides the shipped installation files when the same report filename exists in more than one location.

Step 4 - Modify the Model File

  1. Open the copied .xlsx Model file in an Excel-compatible spreadsheet application.

  2. Update fixed content and formatting as needed, such as the company name, address, logo, labels, fonts, colors, cell sizes, print area, and page layout.

  3. If rows, columns, worksheets, or target cells are moved, record the new locations so the Template commands can be updated to match.

  4. Save the Model as an .xlsx file without changing its paired base filename.

Step 5 - Modify the Template File

  1. Open the paired .txt Template file in a plain-text editor.

  2. Use the Reporter command reference to add, remove, or change the data written to the report. Preserve the documented command spelling and argument order.

  3. Update row and column destinations so every command points to the intended cell in the Model file.

  4. When useful, add Comment <text> lines to display report-specific preparation instructions before Reporter begins.

  5. Save the file as plain text with the .txt extension and its paired base filename unchanged.

Step 6 - Test the Modified Report

  1. Open a representative GibbsCAM part for the report's intended machine type and confirm that the part data is current.

  2. Select Plug-ins > Reporter, then select the modified or custom report.

  3. Generate the report to a test .xlsx output file.

  4. Review every worksheet for correct values, labels, cell locations, pictures, formatting, page breaks, and print output.

  5. Correct the Model or Template as needed, then generate the report again until the output is complete and accurate.

Step 7 - Preserve and Deploy the Report

  1. Keep a verified backup of the paired .xlsx and .txt files outside the active GibbsCAM version folder.

  2. For a company-wide report, deploy the verified pair to the global data folder on each required workstation.

  3. When upgrading GibbsCAM, use the Migration Tool when appropriate and verify the report in the new version-specific folder before production use.


Expected Result

Reporter uses the modified Model and Template pair to create an .xlsx report with the intended layout, static content, GibbsCAM data, and output locations.


Troubleshooting

  • Problem: The modified report does not appear, or Reporter uses a different version of it.

Possible Causes: The files are in the wrong GibbsCAM version folder, the .xlsx and .txt base filenames do not match, or another copy with the same name has higher precedence.

Resolution: Confirm that both files are paired in the correct version-specific Reporter folder. Check the user folder first, then the global folder. Close and reopen Reporter or restart GibbsCAM after correcting the files.

  • Problem: Report data is missing or appears in the wrong cells.

Possible Causes: A Template command is invalid for the part type, or its row and column arguments no longer match the Model layout.

Resolution: Compare the command with the Reporter command reference and the Model worksheet. Correct the command or its destination coordinates, then generate the report again.

  • Problem: Layout, logo, or formatting changes do not appear in the generated report.

Possible Causes: The generated output workbook was edited instead of the Model file, or a lower-precedence Model file was changed.

Resolution: Edit the paired Model file in the active user or global Reporter folder, save it as .xlsx, and regenerate the report.

  • Problem: The report produces incomplete or invalid output for a different machine type.

Possible Causes: The report contains commands or layouts intended for another machine type.

Resolution: Start from a report designed for the current Mill, Turning, or Broaching part. Update the Model and Template for that machine type, then test with a representative part.


Additional Information

The Reporter command reference includes general setup, picture, miscellaneous, operation, part, tool, and toolblock commands. Use only the commands required for the report to keep the Template readable and maintainable.

Sources: GibbsCAM 2026: Reporter and Reporter Commands, September 2025; GibbsCAM 2026: Installation.



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Keywords

GibbsCAM Reporter, Modify Report, Custom Report, Reporter Model, Reporter Template, XLSX Model File, TXT Template File, Report Layout, Report Commands, PlugIns Data Report, ProgramData, AppData, File Precedence, Setup Sheet