For many organisations, the annual report has always been a printed or PDF-style document – something you read front to back, page by page. That format isn’t disappearing anytime soon, but more and more organisations are now embracing online annual reports as a way to share their year and showcase their impact – either as a standalone experience or to complement their traditional report.
And it’s not hard to see why.
Why More Organisations Are Choosing Online Annual Reports
Digital and interactive annual reports offer benefits over traditional PDFs:
- Mobile-friendly – no more pinching and zooming on small screens
- Easy to navigate – readers can jump straight to what matters most to them
- Updatable – no need to worry about that one grammatical error that could slip through to print, as online reports can always be updated
- Reusable – while digital reports are an upfront investment, they can be refreshed with new content year after year
- Connected – direct readers straight to your contact page, job listing, or donation form
- Trackable – with analytics, you can see how many people view your annual report and watch your videos
- Low impact – reduces paper use, and eliminates printing cost
- Engaging – interactive, video-rich, and accessible, offering a more engaging experience than static PDFs
Traditional Annual Report Advantages
Of course, there are advantages to traditional PDFs too:
- Browseable – ideal for waiting rooms and reception areas where people can pick up and read a copy
- Tangible – creates a physical keepsake that be filed, stored and revisited many years later
- Traditional – easy to distribute in contexts where print in expected, such as board packs, conference materials or mail-outs
- Accessible offline – can be read without internet access, useful for remote locations or travel
At Freerange, we still create many traditional PDF reports. But increasingly, we’re working with clients to design online annual reports that inform, engage, and inspire – bringing their stories to life through digital design and storytelling.
Here are a few examples of online annual reports we’ve been working on:
The Bridge Inc
The Bridge wanted an interactive online annual report that gave readers choice – less like a document to read from start to finish. We designed a report with a side menu, animated elements, and video content to create an engaging and accessible experience for their readers.
Livit
After the success of their 2024 online impact report, Community Living Australia (now Livit) asked us to evolve the format for their latest digital annual report. We refreshed the design to reflect their new brand and prioritised accessibility and reader engagement throughout.
Kudos
For Kudos Services, we created a digital annual report showcasing highlights, key statistics, and stories in an easy-to-explore format. The design was intentionally darker than their core brand palette, giving the report a distinct presence while still aligning with their visual identity.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Annual Reports
Whether you’re after a traditional printed report, or an online annual report, it’s all about capturing the spirit of your year in a way that’s accessible, engaging, and easy to navigate.
At Freerange Future, we combine thoughtful design and storytelling to help you celebrate your impact. We can help you share your story with heart, clarity, and care in a format that’s right for you!
Topics: Digital
