Generate Documents: Formatting Suggestions?

Phil E

I've been struggling with my PDF for document generation. I have created the layout in Excel, exported to PDF, used the prepare tool to create fillable fields, and imported the PDF into Smartsheet. It works, however if I have to make changes to the form layout/structure, I have to manually re-map about 1/3 of the fields each time I upload a new copy. Additionally, I have all of my text center justified, but it doesn't always end up that way on the final form, some fields are centered, some are left, and I don't know this until after I spend time re-mapping fields and generating a document.

Are there any basics that I'm missing? I've tried to name the fields in the PDF to match Smartsheet Column names, and nothing works to retain all of the pre-existing information.

Phil E

I'm trying to replicate the Smartsheet column names again, and it seems to be working now.

Trish Dillon

Have you looked at the Smartsheet Merge with google? We are looking into this to see if its better than using PDF. https://help.smartsheet.com/articles/1850128-smartsheet-merge-add-on-for-google-docs

Phil E

Trish,

Unfortunately I must use PDF, as I have to have a document that is available within our ERP system.

Andrée Starå

Hi @Trish Dillon @Phil E

I hope you're well and safe!

I used Smartsheet Merge in many client solutions a couple of years back, and I looked at it again recently, but I was having issues getting it to work, but that could be because I have so many Smartsheet assets.

Let me know how it goes!

@Phil E It can create PDFs too.

Be safe, and have a fantastic week!

Best,

Andrée Starå | Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

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