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You clicked Download Report but nothing happened, or you got an error.

How PDF Export Works

When you click Download:
  1. PetroBench gathers all simulation inputs and results
  2. Sends them to our server to generate the PDF
  3. Your browser downloads the file when ready
This usually takes 5-15 seconds, but complex reports can take up to 60 seconds.

Common Issues

Nothing Happens When You Click Download

Popup blocker is active: Most browsers block popups by default. The PDF might be trying to open in a new tab.
  1. Look for a popup blocked icon in your address bar
  2. Click it and allow popups from app.petrobench.com
  3. Try downloading again
Browser extension blocking the download: Ad blockers and privacy extensions sometimes block downloads:
  1. Temporarily disable extensions
  2. Try the download
  3. Re-enable extensions after

”Failed to generate report” Error

Simulation hasn’t been run: You can only export results from completed simulations. If you haven’t run the simulation yet:
  1. Go to the Inputs tab
  2. Click Run Simulation
  3. Wait for completion
  4. Then try Download again
Simulation failed: If the simulation ended with an error, there are no results to export. Fix the simulation issues first. Server temporarily unavailable: Our PDF generation service occasionally restarts. Wait a minute and try again.

Download Starts But Fails

Internet connection dropped: If your connection is unstable, large downloads can fail partway through:
  1. Check your internet connection
  2. Try again on a stable network
  3. Avoid downloading over mobile data
Browser timeout: Some browsers give up on slow downloads:
  1. Try Chrome (handles long downloads better)
  2. Wait without navigating away from the page
  3. Don’t close the tab while downloading

PDF Opens But Is Blank or Corrupted

Download was interrupted: Try downloading again. Make sure to wait for the full download. PDF reader issue: Try opening the file with a different PDF reader (Adobe Reader, Chrome’s built-in viewer, Preview on Mac).

Large Reports Take Longer

Reports with many charts and detailed rod string analysis are larger and take more time to generate. What makes reports large:
  • Complex rod strings (many tapers)
  • Detailed directional surveys
  • All chart types enabled
  • Comparison reports with multiple scenarios
If reports consistently timeout:
  • Try exporting individual simulations instead of comparisons
  • Contact support — we might be able to generate the report server-side

Check Your Download Location

Can’t find the downloaded file?
  • Windows: Usually in Downloads folder or desktop
  • Mac: Usually in Downloads folder
  • Browser: Check your browser’s download history (Ctrl/Cmd + J)
Some browsers ask where to save files — check if there’s a save dialog waiting.

Corporate Network Issues

If you’re on a company network:
  • Firewalls may block downloads from unfamiliar sources
  • DLP (Data Loss Prevention) software may intercept PDFs
  • Proxy servers can interfere with large downloads
Try:
  • Ask IT to whitelist petrobench.com
  • Try from a personal network to confirm it works
  • Use a mobile hotspot temporarily