Understand the difference between the editor and the generated PDF

Use this article to understand why the Tangelo editor does not always show the final visual result of a document. Tangelo is a single-source, multi-output publishing platform. This means the same content can be used for different output formats, such as PDF, web, and iXBRL.

Unlike Word, Tangelo does not work directly with fixed pages while editing. Instead, content is structured in sections. A section can fit on one page or continue across multiple pages, depending on the content, layout, images, tables, and output settings.

Because of this, the editor is used for writing and structuring content, while the generated output shows the final layout.

Summary

The editor is not a final page preview. To check the final layout, generate a PDF or another output after making layout-related changes.

Overview

The Editor Is for Content Editing

Use the editor to:

• Write and edit text
• Add tables, images, charts, and connected content
• Structure sections and subsections
• Apply available formatting and properties

The editor helps you manage the content, but it does not show the final pagination or exact PDF layout.

The PDF Shows the Final Layout

Generate a PDF to check:

• Page breaks
• Image positioning
• Table layout
• Section titles
• Page inserts
• Spacing and alignment
• Final styling

This is especially important after inserting images, changing positioning settings, adjusting tables, or updating layout-related properties.

Sections Are Not the Same as Pages

In Tangelo, documents are built from sections. A section can span multiple pages in the generated PDF.

This means:

• A section title may appear on a different page than expected.
• Content can move when images or tables are added.
• Page breaks are calculated during output generation.
• The final layout depends on the selected output format.

Tips

Generate a PDF After Layout Changes

After changing layout settings, generate a PDF to verify the result. This may take some getting used to, especially if you are familiar with page-based editing tools such as Word.

Generate Only a Subsection

When checking a small change, generate a PDF for only the relevant subsection where possible. This helps you review changes faster without waiting for the full document to render.

You can do this directly while working in the editor.

Validate Each Output Separately

PDF, web, and iXBRL outputs can behave differently. Always check the output format that you are preparing for.

Remarks

• The editor is not a WYSIWYG preview of the final PDF.
• Final pagination is calculated during output generation.
• Images with fixed positioning can move surrounding content.
• Tables and page inserts should always be checked in the generated output.
• Generating subsection PDFs is often the fastest way to review layout changes during editing.