> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docsautomator.co/docs/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # How It Works > Understand the DocsAutomator workflow from template to finished document DocsAutomator turns your data into professionally formatted PDFs through a straightforward five-step process. This page explains each step at a high level so you understand how the pieces fit together. ## The Document Generation Workflow DocsAutomator supports two template types. Choose the one that fits your workflow: **Google Doc Templates** — Create a Google Doc and add **placeholders** using double curly brackets wherever you want dynamic data inserted: ``` Dear {{client_name}}, Your invoice total is {{total_amount}}. ``` Placeholders work for text, images, tables, and entire sections of your document. You can also start from a pre-built template in the [Template Gallery](https://docsautomator.co/templates/). **PDF Templates** — Upload an existing PDF and position data fields on top of it using the visual editor. The PDF itself is not modified — DocsAutomator overlays your data onto the original layout at generation time. Ideal for pre-designed forms, certificates, or branded documents. Learn the full placeholder syntax Overlay data fields on existing PDFs Link DocsAutomator to the platform where your data lives. Supported data sources include: Tell DocsAutomator which data fields correspond to which template placeholders. The mapping interface shows all placeholders detected in your template and lets you assign data source fields to each one. For example: | Template Placeholder | Data Source Field | | -------------------- | --------------------- | | `{{client_name}}` | Customer Name column | | `{{total_amount}}` | Invoice Total column | | `{{image_logo}}` | Logo attachment field | DocsAutomator also supports AI-powered field mapping that automatically suggests matches based on field names. Generate unlimited previews without using any document credits. Previews let you verify that: * Placeholders are replaced correctly * Line item tables expand as expected * Images render at the right size * Conditional sections show or hide properly Learn more about preview options Choose how documents get created. DocsAutomator supports three trigger methods: | Method | How It Works | Best For | | ------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------- | | **Automatic** | Documents generate when records are created or updated in your data source | Hands-off workflows | | **Manual** | Trigger generation via a button, menu, or formula in your data source | On-demand documents | | **API** | Send a POST request to the `/createDocument` endpoint | Custom applications | Each generated document produces a PDF (and optionally a Google Doc) that can be saved, emailed, merged with other PDFs, sent to a webhook, or routed through an **e-signature workflow** for legally binding signatures. ## What Happens After Generation Once a document is generated, DocsAutomator can perform several actions automatically: Save an editable copy to Google Drive Store the PDF in a designated folder Email documents to recipients automatically Combine with existing PDF documents Send data to external services Add e-signature workflows to documents ## Next Steps Set up your first automation step by step Learn the complete placeholder syntax Overlay data fields on existing PDFs Collect legally binding signatures