Document Preview vs. Download

Question

Question: I have been asked to create a report that identifies if users have downloaded a monthly report.The report is created outside of Workfront then added to Workfront and an update is sent to let the user know the report is now available. I created a Journal Entry report that identifies when and if  these documents have been downloaded. Mission accomplished. But then, I was asked if this included if someone clicked “Preview”. Well I thought because it was an Excel doc. and automatically downloads when Preview is selected I would be good. But low and behold that is not the case. Preview doesn’t count as a download even if the document is downloaded. Anyone have thoughts on how I might be able to deliver this information?

StutiTi · Accepted Answer

Hi ​@DawnmarieD, the Journal Entry report tracks the formal download action on a document, but clicking Preview triggers a different system actionit opens the document via a signed URL for inline viewing. Even if the browser downloads the file locally as a result (as Excel files typically do), Workfront does not log that as a download event, so the Journal Entry report won't capture it.If the requirement is simply to confirm that a user has acknowledged a document, a lightweight workaround is to use a document approval or a Workfront proof with a required decision,this forces users to take an action that is fully tracked rather than relying on passive preview or download behavior.

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