Docs - Create Document from Template
Overview
Templates are a powerful automation tool to create standard form documents. Templates use "variables" (i.e., field values), which automatically populate with the fielded data when you create a file from a template. Below are some of the types of document templates that your company can create:
- Declaration of Custodian or Cover Letter
- Declaration of No Records
- Correspondence that is printed and then mailed (used when correspondence cannot be emailed or faxed)
- Specialized invoices (when Safari's standard fixed-fee invoice does not provide sufficient details)
- You can also create specialized invoices with document templates. Templates use "variables" (i.e., field values), which automatically populate with the fielded data when you create a file from a template. If you are not ready to finalize the template as a PDF, you can first save a draft. This allows you to finalize it later, ask for someone else's review, etc.
If you're not ready to finalize the template as a PDF document, you can first save a draft. This allows you to finalize it later, ask for someone else's review, etc.
Owners or Admins can set up templates in any folder -- see Setup - Templates and Library. This help page describes how to create PDF documents from templates within a folder.
Selecting a Template
If your company has created templates, select a template using the +NEW menu in the folder and clicking "Document" in the drop-down list. If no templates exist in the folder, your only option is to create a "Blank Document". For example, if the form you want has not been created, try using the Blank Response, and copying and pasting from a Microsoft Word document into the editor.
Important Details about Variables and Drafts
Below are several important details about working with variables:
- If the field value has been provided for the variable, the value is shaded in grey:
- If a template variable is blank, the variable is highlighted in yellow:
- If any template variables are blank, you can't save a final PDF--only a draft.
- Note: If you click CREATE PDF , and then change a field value before saving, the PDF is created with the updated field value, not the value that was previously shown in the template.
- Once you create a PDF from a template, you can no longer go back and re-edit the PDF. If you need to make changes, you must delete the PDF and create a new one from the template.