Has anyone figured out how to set a default size to pdf text for the Document Generator?

CHoffman_FCB14

We are hoping to utilize the Generate Documents feature for both internal and client facing processes but cannot seem to figure out how to stop the data that maps into the forms from auto-sizing itself. This is making the client facing forms look horrible. None of the existing size formatting in my pdf carries over, and we don't want to have to edit each individual pdf after it generates - kinda defeats the purpose of the auto-generation.

Genevieve P.

Hi @CHoffman_FCB14

Currently if your Smartsheet cell contains more text than can fit in your PDF field at the size you have it set to, Document Builder will automatically adjust your text size so that it can all fit properly.

There isn't a way to force it to stay to a specific size format no matter the length of text. Please let the Product team know of your use-case and request by filling in this form, here.

Thanks!

Genevieve

Mark Candela

We had a similar issue with the AutoSizing that we solved by looking at the options for each field in the actual PDF form builder and changed the options of the field to lock at a particular text size. You can either set the default size or change field by field in your program. For long text fields you can opt for scrolling or have multi-lines.

CHoffman_FCB14

Yeah, I am able to set defaults within my pdf program, and had my document already formatted the way we wanted it with multi-line text, etc. None of those settings seem to be preserved upon importing as a doc builder template. So once Smartsheet generates the form and populates the data, I would have to modify the fields on each individual pdf so we lose the efficiency of doc builder.

Michael DiFabio

We are also faced with this issue. Please let me know if you (@CHoffman_FCB14) found a solution. As we would really like to have the font consistent in our reports.

DanielW

I'd also be interested in this feature. Currently debugging by changing the text field box size but this is incredibly time consuming

elizabeth.h

Chiming in with another voice in favor of this feature. It's very unprofessional looking for the document to format fonts this differently- showing an example here where there are only a few characters of difference and the text fields are the exact same size in Adobe.

Not great for anything client facing. I don't understand why there isn't an option to choose a default font size- say 16, and nothing would go above that size, but if the text doesn't fit it could go below that size. That seems like the most logical implementation of font size control.

Sheila J

I have issues with the document generator reading text instead of numbers. I've formatted the fillable PDF to return a barcode font. The smartsheet has numbers in the column and it is printing the barcode as letters instead of numbers. Any ideas?

Ellie Ruby

Hi all -

The font size and font type are dictated by the PDF. When you are in the "Prepare Form" area within the PDF, right click the inserted text field to bring up "Text Field Properties". Within this help box, click on the "Appearance" tab and update the bottom "Text" section. I have noticed if the Font Size property is set to "Auto" it brings in different font sizes based on what the column type is within Smartsheet so I have set a standard font size for all my forms.

Hope this helps! 😀

Laura K

We are also experiencing this issue. Font sizes are changing wildly from the settings we put in the Text Field Properties window in Adobe Acrobat.

Cathy Betzer

@Ellie Ruby I have had the same experience as you mention above. My tips:

1. Data source sheet - change all text to specific font that SmartSheet allows (there are only a few). I use Verdana. This is probably not required but it seems to help.
2. On the PDF of your form - Choose Prepare Form, select all pages and fields in the area "Text Field Properties" as Ellie mentions.
   1. I highlight all fields (all pages) and globally select "Verdana" font size 9. Size 9 seems small but when the document is generated it looks more like Verdana size 10 on a business invoice or form.
   2. I also select options and MULTI-LINE. I do not select check spelling or scroll long text. Your text field needs to be a height that will work for any situation.
   3. Adjust position height as needed.
3. Generate Documents is not the same as MS Word mail merge where paragraphs adjust to new text being merged into the document. I find that best use is with invoices or forms.
4. I have done a lot of trial and had lots of errors but have found some successes.
5. A business letter that is standardized except for letter date, recipient, recipient address, salutation, signatory, will work well since it does not require text to be inserted in a previous paragraph. This is a screen shot of an employment offer letter. As long as the source sheet has the correct spellings, things will work well.

this is the last page of the letter with fields

NOTE: keep it simple and standardized. I do have a form that looks more like a table with fillable areas that works great as well.

I hope this helps.