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Create a Template in DocStudio

Shows how to turn a document into a reusable template with variables, Template Values, source dropdowns, and embedded sources.

A template is a normal .ds prepared so the next user fills values instead of rebuilding the page.

Start with the document itself. Build the page layout, add the main paragraphs, add signature areas, and place the placeholder logo or other fixed content first.

Then open Variables and create the values that should change from one document instance to the next.

After that, open File > File Settings and choose Create Template.

In the template setup, connect each variable to the right input type.

Use these modes depending on the field:

  1. Manual text for free typing.
  1. Manual dropdown when the user should choose from a short fixed list.
  1. Source dropdown when the value should come from a source table.
  1. Source value when one source choice should fill more than one field.
  1. Embedded source data when the template needs a built-in list that travels with the document.

Before you share the template, test it. Open Template Values, fill the fields, and confirm the generated document reads correctly.

If you want to see the user workflow, continue with Use a Template in DocStudio.

If you want a concrete example, open Holiday Request Template.

For a screen-by-screen setup, open Create a DocStudio Template.

Open DocStudio ↗

Start with variables

Variables define the parts of the document that will change from one template instance to the next.

DocStudio Variables window with editable document variables.

Open Create Template from File Settings

Template setup starts from File Settings, where template options live with the rest of the document metadata.

DocStudio File Settings window with the Template section visible.

Connect variables to template inputs

Map each variable to the right input type so the person using the template gets the right control.

DocStudio Create Template window with template values and source mappings configured.

Use an embedded employee source when needed

An embedded source lets one template carry its own data list without depending on a separate document every time.

Embedded employee source table used by the holiday request template.

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