Create a template

Write a PDF layout, bind it to a record type, choose where files are saved and preview it.

Write a layout, choose where its files are saved, and check it with a live preview before you save.

Before you start: you need Full control on Document templates (Roles page). At least one shared Drive space must exist to save files into.

Steps

  1. Open Templates and click New template. The New template dialog
  2. Fill in Name (required, up to 120 characters). Add a Description if you like (up to 500 characters).
  3. Pick an Object type. Choose a record type to bind the template to it, so you can generate from that type's records. Leave Generic (data only) if the template should not use a record.
  4. Pick Store in bucket. Generated PDFs are Drive files, and access follows this space. Personal drives are not offered. The first shared space is chosen for you.
  5. In Layout, write the template. Click Insert starter to drop in a working invoice layout you can edit.
  6. Click Preview PDF. The PDF opens in a new browser tab. If the template is bound to a type, pick a record in Preview with record first so the preview uses real data.
  7. Click Create.

What happens next

  • You see "Template created" and the card appears in the grid.
  • On every save the layout is checked. A layout that is not valid is refused with every problem listed (for example line 7 <row>: col widths sum to 10, must be 12).
  • Preview uses your unsaved text, so you can iterate without saving. Nothing is stored.

Tips

  • The hint under the editor lists the elements, the data you can use and the helpers. See Layout reference and Template data and helpers.
  • Edit later with Edit on the card. In the editor, Save updates the template and Delete removes it.
  • A layout is limited to 256 KB. A filled-in document is limited to 8 MB and 500 pages.

Troubleshooting

template source is required The Layout box is empty. Write a layout or click Insert starter.

generated documents need an organization bucket, not a personal one Choose a shared space in Store in bucket.

layout: … The layout breaks a rule. The message names the line and the tag. See the Layout reference.

template: doc:… (a message from the template language) A {{placeholder}} is not written correctly, for example a missing }} or an {{if}} without {{end}}.

Preview failed The PDF could not be built. The message under the form says why.