Make one record correspond to one row
Use an array of complete items rather than separately assembled columns. Our fictional row has item_id A01, label Layout review and status Complete; a second row is B02, Proof revision, Pending. If labels and statuses are sorted independently, a plausible-looking table can attach the wrong status to the wrong task.
Define order explicitly
Decide whether the report preserves source order or uses a documented sort. Include a stable identity field for checks even when it is not printed. State whether section headings and totals count as rows; normally they are different elements. Compare the rendered first, last and boundary rows with the source, not just a grand total.
Test around a page boundary
Use a short table, then increase the fictional row count until a second page appears. Save cases immediately before and after that transition. The threshold depends on the template, font and content; this guide does not prescribe a universal number. Check that headers, row continuations and footer placement remain understandable.
Hold ambiguous output
If a row disappears or splits confusingly, keep the result out of delivery and preserve its exact input and template version. Change one layout variable, regenerate under your evaluation limits and compare with the saved case. A successful next example is not evidence that every possible table length is safe.
Worked pairing check
Expected rows are A01 / Layout review / Complete and B02 / Proof revision / Pending. A file showing A01 as Pending and B02 as Complete has the right row count but fails the meaning check. A file showing A01 twice also fails even if it contains two rows. Check identity, pairing and order separately. Use distinctive fictional values so a reviewer can notice the difference quickly.
Sources used for this page
These records support the facts and comparisons above. Merchant-controlled records are labelled so you can separate product claims from independent evidence.
- CraftMyPDF: documented template workflow — Merchant documentation · craftmypdf.com · Merchant-controlled · checked 2026-09-30