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DocsAutomator enables image insertion throughout documents. Images are automatically preprocessed, converted, and can be resized to optimize document quality and file size.
Passed images need to be publicly available on the web.

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Syntax

Images are declared using the image_ prefix: 
{{image_variableName}}

{{image_headshot}}
{{image_product}}
{{image_companyLogo}}
{{image_signature}}
This tells DocsAutomator where to insert images. You can pass single or multiple images, which are added inline within the document.

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Pre-processing & Converting

The system optimizes images before insertion:
  • Format conversion: Images are automatically converted to .jpg format
  • Quality optimization: Reduces file size while maintaining quality
  • PNG exception: PNG files retain their format to preserve transparency

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Supported Formats

JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, TIFF, ICO, PDF (first page), EPS, AI, PSD, SVG, WebP, AVIF, HEIF, JXR, WDP
If a placeholder value contains non-image content (such as HTML, plain text, or an unsupported file type), it will be silently skipped and the placeholder will be removed from the document. This ensures that invalid data in image fields never causes the entire document generation to fail.

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Image Quality Settings

Configure image handling in Template / Document Generation Options:
SettingDescription
LowSmallest file size, lower quality
EcoBalanced quality and file size (recommended)
GoodHigher quality, larger file size
BestMaximum quality, largest file size

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Maximum Width

  • Range: 200-2000 pixels
  • Standard: 600px
  • Example: An 8000×6000px image resizes to 600×450px
The “Eco” setting is recommended for balanced quality and file size in most use cases.

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Resizing Images

Resize individual placeholder images through DocsAutomator’s interface:
  • Aspect ratio: Always preserved during resizing
  • Single dimension: Other dimension calculates automatically to maintain proportions
  • Both dimensions: Image scales to fit while preserving aspect ratio
If the resizing parameter exceeds the maximum width in automation settings, the image will be expanded and lose quality.
Turn any image into a clickable hyperlink. Open the placeholder’s image options, enable Linked image, and choose where the target URL comes from. The link is applied to the image and survives PDF export.
Pick the field or column whose value holds the target URL. The URL is resolved per record, so every generated document links to the right place.
Clickable image links work in both Google Doc and Word (.docx) templates.

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Passing Images via API

When using the DocsAutomator API, pass an array of image URLs for processing: 
{
  "docId": "your-automation-id",
  "data": {
    "image_product": "https://example.com/product.jpg",
    "image_signature": "https://example.com/signature.png"
  }
}

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Clickable Images via API

To make an image clickable, pass it as a { "url", "link" } object instead of a plain URL string. The url is the image and the link is where it points. No automation setup is required, and the link survives PDF export (Google Doc and Word templates): 
{
  "docId": "your-automation-id",
  "data": {
    "image_product": {
      "url": "https://example.com/product.jpg",
      "link": "https://shop.example.com/products/123"
    }
  }
}
This works for single images and for arrays, where each image can carry its own link: 
{
  "image_gallery": [
    { "url": "https://example.com/a.jpg", "link": "https://shop.example.com/a" },
    { "url": "https://example.com/b.jpg", "link": "https://shop.example.com/b" }
  ]
}

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Multiple Images

To insert multiple images for a single placeholder, pass them as an array or comma-separated URLs depending on your data source: 
{
  "image_gallery": [
    "https://example.com/image1.jpg",
    "https://example.com/image2.jpg",
    "https://example.com/image3.jpg"
  ]
}

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Choosing Which Image to Insert

When a placeholder receives multiple images, you can choose which of them end up in the document. Open the placeholder’s image options and set Which image:
OptionBehavior
All images (default)Every image is inserted inline
First image onlyOnly the first image in the list
Last image onlyOnly the last image in the list
The setting is per placeholder and works with every data source and template type. Width and height settings apply to whichever image is inserted.
“First” and “last” follow the order of the images in your data source. In Airtable, that’s the attachment order in the field, which you can change by dragging, so you control exactly which image is picked no matter how many are attached.
Word templates insert a single image per placeholder: “First image only” and “Last image only” work as described, and a multi-image field left on “All images” inserts the first image. Google Doc templates insert all images inline.

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Best Practices

Image placeholders expect valid, publicly accessible image URLs. If a value is not a valid image (e.g. HTML, plain text, or a broken link), the image will be skipped and the placeholder removed from the document.
While DocsAutomator compresses images, starting with reasonably sized images improves processing speed.
If your image requires transparency (logos, overlays), use PNG format.
Always test image rendering in preview mode before production.

Template Guide

Learn all template syntax

Line Items

Add images in repeating rows
Last modified on June 12, 2026