How to Generate Word Reports with Embedded Charts Using Python, pychartdir, and Jinja2

Overview

Recently I implemented a feature to generate and export Word reports that include charts, and I am sharing the complete solution.

Solution Overview

Generate charts with pychartdir, save as images, and convert to byte data.

Create a Word template using Office software and save it as an XML file.

Render the XML template with Jinja2 and write the result to a .doc file.

1. Generate a Bar Chart with pychartdir

First, import the pychartdir library and create a bar chart. The chart is saved as an image file.

After saving the image, convert it to byte data using the provided function so that the Word document can embed the image directly.

The resulting byte data can be used in the Word document.

2. Create a Word Template and Save as XML

Use Office software to design the required Word template, then choose "Save As" and select the XML format.

Open the XML file with a text editor (e.g., Sublime) and replace placeholders with Jinja2 syntax, which is similar to Django templates.

3. Render the Template with Jinja2 and Write the .doc File

Import the Jinja2 module and load the edited XML template.

Render the template with the data model and write the output to a .doc file. Ensure that each image in the Word document has unique w_id and w_pname attributes.

Running the script produces the desired Word report with embedded charts.

References

Jinja2 installation guide.

pychartdir installation instructions (download from advsofteng.com , copy files to site-packages/chartdirector, create chartdirector.pth, and test with from pychartdir import *).

pychartdir API documentation: http://www.advsofteng.com/doc/cdcfdoc/#cover.htm

Jinja2 documentation: http://docs.jinkan.org/docs/jinja2/