Templates
Templates can be found prior to creating a document for a Quote. In order to reach the templates, you need to have a quote created. Select on the Lightning bolt icon option to go to a list of your templates. Choosing "My Templates" will then display a button to add a new one.
Creating and Managing Templates
-
Create Blank Templates:
- Start with a blank slate to create a new template.
- Blank templates will automatically include all available merge fields for the selected template type.
-
Copy Existing Templates:
- Duplicate an existing template to reuse its structure and content. This allows you to create new templates faster.
-
Assigning Merge Fields:
- Merge fields/Variables are specific to the template type (Quote Templates will not have Job type merge fields, but will contain Appointment, Inquiry, Contact, etc).
Template Processing
Similarly to documents, templates also need to be processed and evaluated. The functionality is relatively the same.
- Processing the Template:
- Once the template has been submitted to PandaDoc, it will move to an
uploaded
status where it is processed and evaluated
- Once the template has been submitted to PandaDoc, it will move to an
- Retrieving the newly created template:
- During the processing of the template, the template is checked every half second (
500ms
) to see if it is done processing for a total of7
seconds. If the process takes longer than7
seconds, the user will need to check back later on the template.
- During the processing of the template, the template is checked every half second (
Upon Successful creation of a template, the template will be placed into a Processed
Status where it can then be viewed and edited.
Editing Templates
- Accessing the Template Editor:
- Navigate to the document creation path.
- Select the green lightning bolt icon, to go and create a document, click "My Templates," and press the "+ New Template" button.
- Provide a name for the template and choose from a list of available templates.
- The first option will always be a blank template.
- Editing in the Embedded Editor:
- Once the template is created, you can modify it using the embedded editor.
- Changes can include updating the name, content, or layout of the template.
- All changes within the Template, will be saved automatically.
Last Updated Timestamp
The Last Updated timestamp displayed in the embedded editor reflects the most recent modification to the template. This timestamp updates under the following conditions:
1. Updating the Template Name
- When the template name is modified, the Last Updated timestamp is immediately updated to the current date and time.
2. Modifying Template Content
- When changes are made to the content of the template, the Last Updated timestamp is not updated in real-time within the editor.
- To reflect the most recent changes to the content, the timestamp will update when either:
- The user leaves the editor and re-enters.
- The page is manually refreshed.
Display Logic
- The Last Updated timestamp always shows the most recent update, whether it results from a template name change or content modification.
- If both the name and content are updated, the timestamp reflects the latest action.
Deleting Templates
Deleting templates can be done via the Document Creation path as well. Any template that is deleted cannot be recovered.
Merge Fields
Merge fields/Variables are automatically added to the document or template upon creation. These fields become immediately available for use, enabling efficient customization and data merging.