Key Capabilities
Button Triggers
Generate PDFs from buttons or action sequences
Line Items
Support for dynamic line items and data mapping
File Storage
Store generated files within Glide tables
Web Embed
Display generated documents using web embed components
Step-by-Step Setup
1
Create Automation
Establish a new automation within your DocsAutomator account.
2
Choose Your Template
Every automation needs a template. Use a Google Doc, a Word (.docx) file, or a PDF. Create one with AI, browse the template library, start from scratch, or drag your own file in. See the Google Doc Template Guide, the Word Template Guide, or the PDF Template Guide.
3
No Data Source Needed
Glide pushes data to DocsAutomator, so you do not pick a data source here. Leave the automation without one and set the connection up inside Glide in the next steps.
4
Configure Glide Integration
Add the “Generate document” action with DocsAutomator. For first-time setup, provide your DocsAutomator API key (located in account settings).
5
Set Template ID and Filename
- Locate your template/automation ID in the URL bar
- Specify the output filename (tip: use template columns to make filenames unique per row)
6
Map Data Fields
Create placeholder-to-value pairs where placeholders match your template exactly (without curly brackets). Values can reference Glide data sources or custom text.
7
Configure File Output
Designate a field to store the generated PDF.
8
Generate Documents
Execute the workflow. Use a Web Embed component on your PDF field to display generated documents immediately.
Line Items Implementation
For documents containing lists (invoices, staff rosters, etc.), configure line items using a three-level structure:Row Level (2nd Level)
Construct individual rows using JSON Object columns that format line item data with placeholders matching your template variables.Joined List (1st Level)
Create a Joined List column at the parent level (e.g., Invoices table) that references the row data via a Relation column.Array Conversion (1st Level)
Use a Template column to convert the joined list into array format for passing to DocsAutomator.FAQ
How do I format numbers and dates?
How do I format numbers and dates?
- Use Format Date columns for date formatting
- Use Template columns for number formatting (converts fields to text)
How do I add images?
How do I add images?
Declare image variables as
{{image_uniqueName}} in templates. Map image columns from your table.Can I get Google Doc links?
Can I get Google Doc links?
The native integration doesn’t currently support storing links to generated Google Docs. Use the DocsAutomator API as an alternative.
How do I troubleshoot issues?
How do I troubleshoot issues?
Check the Documents page at app.docsautomator.co/documents for detailed error information. Contact support for unresolved issues.
E-Signatures and PDF Templates
DocsAutomator supports e-signatures with all data sources, including Glide. After generating a document, you can automatically route it for signing. DocsAutomator also supports PDF templates in addition to Google Doc templates.
Next Steps
Template Guide
Learn the template syntax
Line Items
Master tables and repeating rows
Documents
Monitor document generation
API Reference
Advanced API integration