📋 Overview
When you click the Export to Docs button inside OTTO SEO → Site Audit → Overview (Website Overview), Search Atlas compiles your data, applies formatting, and generates a file in the background. Depending on the size and complexity of your report, this process can take anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. This article explains what to expect and how to troubleshoot a slow or stalled export.
⏱️ How Long Does Report Generation Take?
Generation time depends on several factors, including the number of sections in your report, the volume of data being pulled, and current platform load. As a general guide:
- Small reports (1–5 sections): typically ready in under 30 seconds.
- Medium reports (6–15 sections): usually complete within 1–3 minutes.
- Large reports (16+ sections or heavy data): may take up to 5 minutes or longer.
During generation, the button will display a loading indicator. This is normal behaviour — the platform is actively building your file. Do not close the tab or navigate away while the export is in progress.
🔍 Why Does the Button Keep Loading Without Generating a File?
If the export button has been spinning for more than 5–10 minutes and no file has appeared, one of the following may be the cause:
- Large data volume: Reports with many keywords, pages, or audit items take longer to compile. Give it a few extra minutes before assuming something is wrong.
- Browser or network interruption: A brief loss of connection during export can cause the process to stall silently.
- Pop-up blocker: Some browsers block the file download prompt. Check that pop-ups and downloads are allowed for the Search Atlas domain.
- Browser tab was left idle: Certain browsers throttle background tabs. Keep the Report Builder tab active and visible during export.
- Temporary platform load: High usage periods can add a short delay to background tasks like report generation.
🛠️ Steps to Resolve a Stalled Export
- Wait at least 5 full minutes from the moment you clicked Export before taking any action.
- Check your browser's download bar or downloads folder — the file may have already been saved without a visible notification.
- Verify that your browser allows pop-ups and automatic downloads for Search Atlas. In Chrome, go to Settings → Privacy and Security → Site Settings → Pop-ups and redirects.
- Perform a hard refresh of the page (Ctrl + Shift + R on Windows, Cmd + Shift + R on Mac) and try the export again.
- If the issue persists, try exporting in a different browser (Google Chrome is recommended) or in an incognito/private window to rule out extension conflicts.
- If your report is very large, consider splitting it into smaller sections by duplicating the project and removing some modules, then exporting each version separately.
🗺️ How to Access the Report Builder
To reach your reports, navigate to Left sidebar → Reports. From the projects list, open the report you want to export and click the Export to Docs button in the top-right area of the report view.
💡 Tips for Faster, Smoother Exports
- Use a stable, wired internet connection when exporting large reports.
- Avoid running multiple simultaneous exports from the same account.
- Keep your browser up to date — outdated browsers can cause compatibility issues with file generation.
- Close unnecessary browser tabs to free up memory during the export process.
🆘 Still Having Trouble?
If you have followed all the steps above and your report still fails to generate, our support team is ready to help. If you need further assistance, open the chat widget in the bottom-right corner of the platform and type human teammate to be connected with a member of our team.